I started the Award at the Birkenhead YMCA when I went to enrol for a Judo class. The Youth Adviser said that there was new award starting and Judo would count towards the Award and that was the start of a new adventure which helped shape my life. I was introduced to the wild outdoors, driving lessons, working on a farm, make-up and fashion and lots of other interesting topics as well as helping others and attending a residential in Scotland.

The Award made me an independent, confident and adventurous person. I have travelled the world and because the Award helped me so much, I eventually had a career helping young people with their careers and started the Award at Frodsham Youth Club in Cheshire. We had many successes at all levels, and were lucky enough to be picked to represent Cheshire at the 25th DofE Celebrations in London.

I received my Gold Award 55 years ago, on the 11th July 1966 (the day England beat Germany in the World Cup) The Duke asked me what the most challenging part of the award was, of course, it was the Adventure Section. My granddaughter is now just two sections off her Gold and I hope I see her achieve it.

This Award is for everyone, you just have to be determined and there are lots of people who want to help you to achieve it.