The Duke of Edinburgh's Award has had a huge impact on my life. Having achieved the Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards myself I was inspired to enable other young people to have the opportunity to participate in the Award. I have spent the last 35 years as a DofE Coordinator/Manager, encouraging and supporting many young people in their DofE journey, through which they have grown in confidence and independence. This is something that I have been able to share with my husband, who has supported me as a volunteer expedition leader for over 25 years.
I was honoured to meet the Duke of Edinburgh at my own Gold Award presentation in 1987 and at a few other DofE ceremonies and garden parties since then. He always made everybody feel relaxed with his affable manner and sense of humour.