Approaching the age of 16 and soon to leave school I was interviewing for jobs, when the interviewer asked me about my Bronze & Silver awards this undoubtedly gave me the edge and I got the job. The award made me stand out from the crowd.

In later life I moved into outdoor education as a full time career and worked with many young people, this all from the positive experience gained by participating in the award scheme as a teenager. I supervised young people participating in the scheme and on one occasion having taught First Aid to a participant she went on the very next day to resuscitate a young child. She was given an award by Princess Diana.

The award scheme had a positive effect on my life and others, all thanks to the Duke of Edinburgh.

John Fidgett