Through doing the DofE it allowed me to become more confident and adventurous. The Gold DofE practice hike was in the Peak District at the end of the Beast from the East and was freezing, doing the hike in these conditions gave me strength and showed me that no matter how challenging the situation I would get through and succeed. This practice hike made the qualifying expedition seem like a walk in the park as of the tough experience of the practice. Furthermore, the DofE gave me the opportunity to help at Gold Award presentations at St James palace further building my confidence and giving me friends for life. I would like to thank HRH The Duke of Edinburgh for all that he has done to promote activities and benefits for young people.