I completed my Duke of Edinburgh Gold Practice and Qualifying Expeditions in 2013 and 2014. During my Practice Expedition, I developed blisters in both my feet at the end of the first day. It was difficult to walk with the blisters (I was limping around a lot) but in spite of the pain I decided to continue my practice expedition and I managed to complete it successfully. I managed to complete my Duke of Edinburgh Gold Programme by the end of 2014 and I received my Gold Award from the Duke of Edinburgh in 2015. It was a valuable experience which taught me to be resilient and persevere against all odds to achieve your goals.