Completing the gold award had been something I had always wanted to achieve

My grandfather received his award in 1964 and to see his face when I received mine in 2018 was worth all the pain and hard work.

The family tradition and prominence of the award was my motivation throughout my expedition. Through the support of my fantastic leader I was able to accomplish something I never thought I could.

3 years on and the achievement of the award is still with me. It gave me irreplaceable skills and knowledge that has helped me through every aspect of my life.

I am forever grateful for the work of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh and how it has sapped not only my future but myself as a person.