I achieved both my bronze and silver award in 2012 and 2013 whilst in my final two years of school.

When I signed up to work towards my bronze award I was quite anxious about doing it as I felt that I would not be able to do some of the activities due to my mild cerebral palsy and learning difficulties.

Some of my family members at the time also felt that I would not be able to achieve the bronze award, let alone going to collect my silver award a year later.

I have a lot of fond memories of those two years from walking 6 miles across the Yorkshire country side on very wet, cold and very muddy pathways whilst wearing size 3 boot when you are a size 6 shoe.

I also have very fond memories of learning how to put up a tent and I can safely say it was the most challenging thing I had ever done.

Whilst I worked to towards my silver award I was given the opportunity to work with children that also had learning difficulties which I greatly enjoyed.

Thank to that amazing opportunity it stared me into the direction of wanting a career where I can help people in need.

I went on to become an ambassador for an organization called Merseyside Youth Association in 2019 which helps young people aged 15 to 29 discover their true potential.

Then in 2020 during the covid19 pandemic I joined the DWP to help make sure vulnerable people were not left without money during the pandemic.

And I strongly believe that thanks to the DofE award I found my path in life.