Having completed the Bronze and Silver Awards a fellow air cadet challenged me to attempt the Gold Award which he had and said he didn't think I could donit which was my motivation to suceed from start to finish. Throughout the different sections including doing the expedition across Dartmouth in all weathers including snow I kept thinking about what he said!!

Having completed the Gold Award the first person to congratulate me was the air cadet who laid the gauntlet, it was and still one of my biggest and best scievements.

The icing on the cake was receiving my Gold Award from The Duke of Edinburgh (who I thanked for giving me the opportunity to do things to test my limits develop my personality and meet people who are still lifelong friends) at St James's Palace infront of my extremely proud father, it was a very special occasion and day, it still is one of the highlights of my life.

I have always credited the D of E Award with giving me many life skills including team work, leadership, respect and communication.

I look out for Gold Award holders on CV's as it shows that person has gone that extra mile and is prepared to work hard to achieve succes.

As a Cadet Warrant Officer in the Air Training Corps in East Grinstead, West Sussex I had the honour of meeting the Duke of Edinburgh a few times when he attended The Guinea Pig Club dinners and anniversaries, he was always humble and inspirational to their members ,, it was a pleasure to be in his company, all my memories of him are good and happy ones.

He was such a proud Duke of Edinburgh,it would be a fitting gesture if he was the last holder of that title.

RIP HRH Prince Phillip The Duke of Edinburgh you will be sorely missed by individuals and nations alike.