I started my Duke of Edinburgh's award back in 2005 in St. Paul's girl guides Belfast, with my silver award. I got to take on new challenges of participating in my parish choir, learnt ceili dancing and my love of camping increased. A few months after completing this I was adamant I wasn't completing my gold award as it was a lot longer. However it was the best experience especially doing my residential in Castleward painting pigs barns, cleaning ivy off walls and clearing a small part of the Forrest for a better view. With this award we got to meet Prince Philip in Dublin during the 50th anniversary and 25th anniversary of the Gaicse award. This was a fantastic day and the Prince was like a proud father asking which group I belonged to with my uniform and all about my badges on my sleeve. I so completed my diamond award recently raising funds for the award completing a 100k cycle ride. Currently I am a leader with a group of teenagers completing their bronze award and hope to see them through to their gold. Attached is photo of the awards I ma so proud of and wouldn't have achieved without Prince Philip, also our own organisations award pin for the leaders (OAL- Oisin award) I also want to send my condolences to his wife and family, this is going to be a strange time getting used to someone in the family not being around. Love to them all x