So i went to a school where they expected nothing from us. I went to a neighbouring towns air cadets. I subsequently did my bronze duke of Edinburgh's award and that changed my life. I took an interest in making things better for everyone. My service i chose was to work in a cancer research charity shop. 3 months turned into 12!

I managed to pass enough grades at GCSE to join the reserve armed forces, in a role i wanted whilst working in a supermarket.

3 years later i joined the police and now instruct in things i always loved as a cadet. Without the Duke of Edinburgh's award i would have survived through life not thrived as i have.

The loss of the Duke has destroyed me and i never met him. However without his charity in my life i would have become what the world expected me to be, but because of him i achieved so much better. Thank you for your service and thank you for making me believe i could be me.