I completed all 3 awards during my time at secondary school and it was hands down the best thing I've ever signed up to. It has instilled in me an innate curiosity about the world and a burning desire to explore far beyond the scope of my childhood, to push myself to do as much as I can with my life to help others and to experience what's out there.

I remember camping in the snow in the Peak District on my Silver practice expedition. It was a proper April Fools! And now I want to become a polar explorer and scientist ...

To anyone who is given the opportunity to do the DofE award I say grasp it with both hands and all the enthusiasm you can muster. The skills, experiences and memories you will gain are invaluable and it's all thanks to His Majesty.