Pamela Howard
I completed all levels of D of E Award in late 1960's.
I received the Gold award at the Palace I was 14 when I started and 19 when I finished. I was one of 6 children and was raised by my mum. We had little money and I cannot recall a family holiday. The scheme was a life changer! I met positive people - walked to Wales and knitted an oversized doll which put a smile on my teachers face. From the feedback from my teacher and a belief that I could meet hard challenges meant that I gained so much self confidence. Most of all D of E raised my awareness about other young people and the barriers they face in life. At 15 as part of the scheme I volunteered in local youth club and my local children's hospital Alderhey - emptying bed pans and helping on the wards. I think the D of E was instrumental in my eventual choice of career. At the age of 34 I qualified as a social worker and currently work in Alderhey as a CAMHS social worker working with children with mental health issues.
The award taught me resilience and compassion which has lasted throughout my life. I have taken part in a number of walking/cycling challenges for different charities. My last challenge (2019) was a 90 mile a day cycle ride London to Amsterdam which I completed at the age of 71 - the oldest girl in town! . As Chair of Twinkle House a local charity I am currently walking Leeds to Liverpool Canal to raise awareness about the charity
I found gaining the gold award a challenge but oh so proud when I went with my mum to the Palace to receive my award. I don't ever mention about gaining this award now it is so long ago but following the sad death of D of E I have reflected on his wonderful legacy. I am indebted to him and the teacher who led the scheme and really want more young people to have the opportunities to take part as I know it will shape their life in a positive and life shaping way.
I received the Gold award at the Palace I was 14 when I started and 19 when I finished. I was one of 6 children and was raised by my mum. We had little money and I cannot recall a family holiday. The scheme was a life changer! I met positive people - walked to Wales and knitted an oversized doll which put a smile on my teachers face. From the feedback from my teacher and a belief that I could meet hard challenges meant that I gained so much self confidence. Most of all D of E raised my awareness about other young people and the barriers they face in life. At 15 as part of the scheme I volunteered in local youth club and my local children's hospital Alderhey - emptying bed pans and helping on the wards. I think the D of E was instrumental in my eventual choice of career. At the age of 34 I qualified as a social worker and currently work in Alderhey as a CAMHS social worker working with children with mental health issues.
The award taught me resilience and compassion which has lasted throughout my life. I have taken part in a number of walking/cycling challenges for different charities. My last challenge (2019) was a 90 mile a day cycle ride London to Amsterdam which I completed at the age of 71 - the oldest girl in town! . As Chair of Twinkle House a local charity I am currently walking Leeds to Liverpool Canal to raise awareness about the charity
I found gaining the gold award a challenge but oh so proud when I went with my mum to the Palace to receive my award. I don't ever mention about gaining this award now it is so long ago but following the sad death of D of E I have reflected on his wonderful legacy. I am indebted to him and the teacher who led the scheme and really want more young people to have the opportunities to take part as I know it will shape their life in a positive and life shaping way.
