Participating in the DofE programme as an Air Cadet grew me as a person. I volunteered with my local football team, learned to drive (and fly) and completed an expedition out to Normandy in France, all through the Bronze and Silver schemes. The programme developed my personal fitness too, which altogether supported my application to join the Royal Air Force. With just my expedition to complete before completing the Gold, I will have taken all 3 awards over the years and grown so much as a person. Ultimately, I am now a qualified pilot in the RAF, and without a shadow of a doubt, would not be in this position today if it were not for the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme. RIP Sir.