I completed my practice and assessed DofE Gold Award Expedition with The Adventure Element in the majestic settings of the Lake District and Peak District during the summer of 2019.

Upon arriving we were split into groups of 5 total strangers which we would be living and hiking with for the next four days – this obviously brought its challenges, but we were quickly able to learn from each other and work as a team to navigate the numerous obstacles ahead of us, both physical and mental! Battling our way up steep slopes in torrential rain was worth it for those stunning scenic views and incredible geology! I owe an awful lot to my teammates (Tanya, Alastair, Alisa, and Jasmine; and Carys, Lauren, Matilda, and Roxy) for getting me through it!

If my D of E experience has taught me anything, it’s that hard work and perseverance pays off! I look forward to attending a Gold Award Presentation at the Palace hopefully sometime soon!

Thank you, HRH Prince Philip, for founding the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award; I’ve had an amazing journey through completing Bronze, Silver, and Gold.