I came to DofE late in 6th form through the YWCA in Plymouth. We dived straight into expedition training on Dartmoor and I loved it! I was short, with rubbish equipment, poorly fitting boots and no real experience to draw on but I threw myself into it. It inspired me so much I joined the Hiking Society at the University of Leeds, where I trained as a Mountain Leader taking hundreds of students on trips to Scotland, the Lakes and North Wales. I was Secretary and then President of the Society. I took a part-time youth work job when I moved to Ashbourne, Derbyshire in the early 2000's and trained local youngsters to complete their expeditions at Bronze and Gold level. Through my work at YHA in the volunteering team, I remained a passionate advocate for the Award, helping youth hostels around the country to offer Gold residentials for hundreds more young people. The Award gave me so much as a young person and inspired me to 'pay it forward' and create new experiences for others too. It really has been such an important part of my life. When our daughter is older I hope I can put my knowledge and skills gained through the Award and beyond to good use again, helping her and her friends through theirs. I hope HRH felt pride in what he set in motion. It really has changed lives.