The stories in this memory gallery reflect the lasting impact of participating in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Each section of the award empowers young people to: try new pursuits, develop existing interests, support others in communities near or far away, and work co-operatively with new or long standing peers.

Having these experiences is a solid foundation to thrive in all aspects of today's world, and will continue to be as the world changes over the long term. It is testament to the Duke of Edinburgh's understanding of the challenges that would face young people throughout their lives, that it was back in 1956 that he devised an awards scheme that encouraged these experiences.

I participated in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award when undertaking my Gold Award, between 2010 and 2013. I then completed the Duke of Edinburgh's Diamond Challenge in 2016.

I was able to meet the Duke of Edinburgh at my Gold Award presentation, at St. James's Palace. Many people have reflected that the Duke of Edinburgh had a knack for putting people at ease at events like these. When he was led to my group at the presentation, the Duke listened with interest to the story of a residential that was spent volunteering at an orphanage abroad, and replied with a humorous remark about it.