Some people may see the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme as a physical challenge which they are incapable of completing. This is almost certainly NOT true. It is an award which inspires young people to stretch themselves to reach a goal which they can look back on and be extremely proud of. Something that the Duke of Edinburgh himself was so very passionate about.

Completing both the Bronze and Silver Awards personally gave me the motivation to strive for and to achieve my Gold Award, which is currently on hold due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme has given me so many wonderful opportunities to develop new skills and gain new positions of responsibility, such as becoming a Cub Scout Leader.

It also has enabled me to develop vital teamwork skills and independence whilst on expeditions.

I will always remember the final day of our Gold Expedition, when we stopped on the banks of Ullswater in the Lake District. The feeling of realisation as to what we had all achieved was something that we will never forget. There were many other funny moments, but this was the one that really made us grateful to have been part of this great award scheme.

It was a truly inspiring award set up by a truly inspiring man.