I was fortunate enough to obtain my Silver DofE Award in 2001 via Magherafelt High School in County Londonderry, Northern Ireland. I have very fond memories of the expeditions and challenges involved, and it's difficult to believe that it's now 20 years ago. The general ambience was one of great respect for everything the programme was intended to achieve, to say nothing of the ethos behind it, which was the brainchild of the Duke.

I regret now not progressing on to obtain my Gold Award - unfortunately, the circumstances of life got in the way of that - but my admiration of the scheme remains undimmed and it really is one of the finest things any young person could do. I have no doubt it will be the Duke of Edinburgh's greatest legacy and one which deserves to flourish for generations yet to come, helping to build resilience amongst young people and keep his memory alive.