Damien Speight
The Duke of Edinburgh was an inspiration to millions and provided a lasting legacy to so many lives.
Perhaps his greatest legacy to me is the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme, a scheme which brought adventure to the inner cities and aspirations to all
As we celebrate a life well lived I found my log book, this journey saw me at 14 years old developing mountaineering and expedition skills, working with and being inspired by the Down syndrome community, Boxing, Landscaping, Charitable Fund Raising, supporting cancer care, Physical Efficiency (looking back looks very similar to CrossFit !) and supporting the terminally ill as a Brancardier in the bath house in Lourdes.
What a journey, finally celebrated with an invitation to the Palace and being presented with the Gold Certificate with a huge smile and congratulation from the Duke himself.
What a man, what a legacy to celebrate and what an inspiration
The DoE scheme left me with the confidence to know anything is possible.
It gave me the love for adventure from Hawes to the Himalayas, from the Artic to the Appalachian I felt at home knowing I had developed my expedition skills from that first step on the Bronze training.
The Duke and his award scheme instilled core community values that working together made us stronger no matter where we came from, the scheme transcends gender, race, ability or economic background, we became united in a sense of purpose.
That purpose being a ‘life well lived’ and becoming a ‘power for change’ in our communities
The Duke truly made our lives and the world a much better place.
Perhaps his greatest legacy to me is the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme, a scheme which brought adventure to the inner cities and aspirations to all
As we celebrate a life well lived I found my log book, this journey saw me at 14 years old developing mountaineering and expedition skills, working with and being inspired by the Down syndrome community, Boxing, Landscaping, Charitable Fund Raising, supporting cancer care, Physical Efficiency (looking back looks very similar to CrossFit !) and supporting the terminally ill as a Brancardier in the bath house in Lourdes.
What a journey, finally celebrated with an invitation to the Palace and being presented with the Gold Certificate with a huge smile and congratulation from the Duke himself.
What a man, what a legacy to celebrate and what an inspiration
The DoE scheme left me with the confidence to know anything is possible.
It gave me the love for adventure from Hawes to the Himalayas, from the Artic to the Appalachian I felt at home knowing I had developed my expedition skills from that first step on the Bronze training.
The Duke and his award scheme instilled core community values that working together made us stronger no matter where we came from, the scheme transcends gender, race, ability or economic background, we became united in a sense of purpose.
That purpose being a ‘life well lived’ and becoming a ‘power for change’ in our communities
The Duke truly made our lives and the world a much better place.
