I was hesitant and skeptical when first told about the bronze award at school but my school teacher Mr Clarke who ran the programme got me hooked on the idea and that's where my journey started. I remember him saying passionately that the Gold award should you achieve it was equivalent to an outdoor 'A' level and in many respects he was right.

The award makes you much more independent and all can participate regardless of class or colour or background and it gave me a sense of purpose and a great deal to pride by giving something back to the community in public service and helping others and those less fortunate than ourselves.

I found the Gold Award Expedition probably the hardest physical task that I have ever done in my lifetime walking in Snowdonia over 4 days waking 50 miles (from memory) but the sense of achievement was over powering and more over gave me a topic to mention in my first job interviews and helped me later in life. It was a great experience also meeting the Duke to collect the award at St James Palace in 1988.

I highly recommend the award and programme and yes it is hard work and yes you have to give your time but the positive outcome outweighs all the dedication and perseverance and gives you new skills such as purpose and independence that sets you up for life