I received my award when I was 21 and I put my name to volunteer at future awards. At the 1st award I volunteered, a mentor hadn’t turned up, so they asked me to introduce the 20 young people to the Duke. He made me feel calm and at ease then I was approached by an employee of the DofE and he was selecting 4 people to work at the Peace and Sport Conference in Monaco. I went to Monaco and represented the UK at the conference. I met athletes and delegates from all over the world and ran on the beach with Paula Radcliffe.
Ive volunteered at this 5x now and have been responsible for the 30 volunteers that come worldwide. I took a team of volunteers as team UK and we raised money for Peace and Sport. I completed a relay race in Monaco and found myself running against Paula Radcliffe, at the end of the race i interviewed her. I then ran a half marathon to raise money for Peace and Sport.
I took part in the 60th anniversary, I went to London to take part in a James Bond movie and I volunteered at the event in Stoke Park which concluded with a performance from Tom Jones!
Whilst at the Palace I met the inspirational Tim Reddish, he encouraged me to volunteer at the Tokyo Olympics and I got a place as a volunteer!
On the Queens 90th I was volunteering at the DofE office and I waved at the Queen coming out of Windsor Castle which was magical.
I have experienced things that I would NEVER have dreamed thanks to my DofE. Everytime I have met the Duke he has filled the place with laughter.
These experiences have ignited a passion in my belly for adventure and taught me to not give up on your dreams.
My Duke of Edinburgh is my most proud award and I have done things that I wouldn’t have been brave enough to do.
I cant thank Prince Philip enough, without him I would never have had the opportunities that were created for me and the friends that I have made for life. I wish to continue volunteering and working for the DofE as it is close to my heart and makes me so proud