My Duke of Ed days started with Bronze and Silver in school and after completing each expedition I would say "I am never doing that again!" However, I realised when leaving school it was Duke of Ed that changed me from being shy and gave me the confidence to work with other people. So, I went on to complete my Gold Award and even with all the challenges we faced in the Lake District I developed a real love for the outdoors. Hillwalking became my hobby and I wanted to give something back by becoming an expedition leader with our local Open Award Centre and an expedition assessor. Duke of Ed gave me the transferable skills I needed, leading to my career in the Youth Education Sector and so many other opportunities.
I had the opportunity to attend an International Gold Event to Hong Kong in 2005 and becoming a UK/EMAS Rep. Meeting Prince Edward and Prince Philip at Gold Award presentations has been a great privilege. Prince Philip was so friendly and always took the time to have a conversation with everyone.
I now love spending time at the top of a mountain reflecting on my Duke of Ed days, how it has made me into the person I am today, the opportunities it gave me and the great memories...those wet weekends on practice and final expeditions were the best days of my life!