Like many the Duke of Edinburgh Award has been part of my life for many years.

It started with my Bronze award through school. The school only offered the award to the top students but undeterred I asked to complete the award and was allowed. Whilst completing the award one of the other participants was a Air Cadet and I grew interested in that, leading to me joining the Air Cadets.

Through cadets I was able to complete my Silver and start my Gold but I aged out before I could finish.
I completed an application for Millets camping shop for a Saturday position. DofE featured heavily on my CV and I was successful with my application. Some 25 years later I still work in retail including being a retail manager in that time.

Cambridgeshire Open Gold group came to my rescue and I was able to complete both expeditions with them. My qualifying expedition took place in Germany due to the foot at mouth outbreak which was happening at the time.

Whilst at university I continued my Gold I got my first taste of supporting others with their awards. I was Vice Present of the DofE society and I helped 7 students complete both Gold expeditions.
Then it was time to get my own Gold Award. Prince Philip was particularly interested in those that had completed their award abroad so I got the chance to speak to him. Much to my embarrassment I couldn’t remember where in Germany my expedition was but someone in my group was able to help.

I took a break for many years from DofE. Finally in 2012 I joined cadets again this time as an adult. It took a few years for me to be involved in DofE it wasn’t until 2016 that I renewed my interest supporting my first participant to complete his Bronze and then Silver. I am a coordinator in a NOA and am supporting participants to complete their award at all levels.

I often reflect that without this award I wouldn’t be where I am now and I continue to support others with their journeys.

Thank you for making this possible.