I started the Duke of Edinburgh Awards whilst at Broad Oak School Weston super Mare. I had some amazing experiences, canoeing through Taunton, potholing on the mendips. Expeditions on the Mendips, Quantocks, Exmoor, and Dartmoor. I did voluntary service with The Police, and The Red Cross, no attended a residential stay at Kilve Court. I decorated my own bedroom, painting and wallpapering, I cooked as my hobby.

All of the skills I obtained whilst undertaking the Awards helped me in my career, especially about taking personal responsibility, working in teams. I became the first woman to become a Bank Manager in my home town. I became a Head of Operations working in both the UK and India. I worked for a Charity, The Mission to Seafarers. I also had the honour of working at The Tower of London as the Deputy Chief Exhibitor of the Crown Jewels.

I had the opportunity to meet the Duke personally and look back on the Award scheme with pride.

I walked out on the Ayrshire hills today and my time doing the expeditions came back to me. How fortunate was I, to have had the opportunity to take part in this fantastic scheme. I thank HRH Prince Phillip, The Duke of Edinburgh for giving me and many others this opportunity. What a legacy. Rest in Peace.