I have had a life-long relationship with the DofE award scheme: I achieved my Silver and Gold Awards at school in the 1980s, when I volunteered on a geriatric ward at my local hospital, which resulted in my training to be a Nurse when I left school.

In my early 20s I helped in the running of a newly formed DofE group in my village in Warwickshire, and helped countless youngsters find a love of the outdoors and push themselves beyond what they thought was possible, pushing their own personal boundaries and finding life-long friends along the way. I continued volunteering with DofE groups for many years, and feel so proud at my small contribution in helping so many youngsters achieve their Awards. One particular memory comes from an expedition to the Long Mynd one April several years ago, when the youngsters had to camp with snow on the ground and overnight temperatures of -8! We took rolls of bubble-wrap for them to line their tents with, as extra insulation! That same expedition group completed their qualifying expedition later that summer in scorching temperatures, sleeping outside their tents, under the stars - they all spoke of a completely unforgettable experience.

I have now encouraged and supported my own children to achieve their own Awards. The highlight of recent years was being invited to be a room marshall at St James' Palace when my son was presented with his Gold Award from the Duke and the Weasley twins!

I have so very many happy memories of the countless expeditions I have organised and supervised; the many young people I have met over the years, some of whom went on from doing their DofE award with me to becoming DofE group leaders themselves; the DofE participants who met on an expedition, fell in love and got married......the stories are endless. The overwhelming feeling of pride at being involved in the most amazing scheme for youngsters will always be with me, and for this I am truly grateful to Prince Philip.