I honestly had no idea about the scheme until the school asked for participants and thank goodness my group of friends were also willing to take the challenge. It is not until years later while I have settled in Hong Kong to realise how highly regarded the award is. The expeditions has left me with a love of being outdoors. Believe it or not there are many camp sites in Hong Kong and when talking to friends somehow they would bring up the topic of DOFE. I proudly admit I am a gold award holder and the amazement on our friends’ faces tells all, 1) only the toughest are allowed to participate in Hong Kong 2) how can a 5ft2 Chinese girl in the uk make the grade! I thank DOFE for imprinting in me anything is possible, I am tougher than I know and letting me feel the euphoria of achieving the impossible. Actually to this very day I cannot believe what I had achieved walking the 100km with everything on my back. Thank you Duke of Edinburgh