I started my bronze award at 14 in1977 via my school and finally was presented my Gold award in 1987 at the age of 24.Taking part in the award scheme changed my life in so many ways, it gave me purpose, focus, resilience, it taught me to challenge myself, and most of all a sense of adventure that has stayed with me all my life. I did not have the opportunity to go into further education and so started work at 16 for the Greater London Council (GLC). in my interview I was able to talk about my DofE which although I did not have many qualifications it showed them the type of person I was and my potential. The GLC went on to put me through college and my career developed. During taking part in the gold award I also got married at 19 ( just about to celebrate our 39th wedding anniversary this year) bought my first home and had my first child in 1987 a few months before visiting the Palace to meet the Duke. Throughout this time apart from working, I served in the Royal Navy Auxiliary based in Greenwich Royal Naval College, went on two NATO exercises, kept up my hobby which was Archery, built a wildlife area at London zoo and completed my expedition in the Brecon Beacons. I have the best memories of completing all the awards and they certainly shaped the person I am today, it instilled in me a sense of adventure and the need to improve and continue learning. To celebrate my 50th birthday I along with my husband went on a overland adventure holiday to Nepal which included white water rafting and tracking in the Himalayas, although i was not the fittest person on the trek I made up for it in sheer determination. and more recently I have gained my RHS certificate in practical horticulture ... you can take the girl out of the DofE but you can't take the DofE out of the girl!!