I took part in the D of E awards as a Girl Guide and then as a Young Leader. When I undertook my expeditions, I was the only one working towards the award, so it was a real challenge. I realise now that it helped to shape me as a future leader (in education) as well as giving me a life long love of hiking and youth hosteling. My parents refused to allow me and the other girls to camp on our own in the countryside (quite rightly in my opinion!) but we were given permission to stay in youth hostels.. This has remained a passion of mine and I have a walking and youth hosteling holiday every summer in the Lake District, therefore also continuing to support this worthwhile organisation. I have also been involved in supporting D or E groups through my work in schools.
When I went to the Palace to receive my award, I was surprised to be addressed personally by the Duke. He asked what was probably one of his standard questions, which was ‘Where did you do your expeditions?’ It was a bit of a thrill at the time and a surprise to find that he was not nearly as tall as I had imagined!
Regardless of all his other work, had he only started the award scheme, that would have been an impressive legacy on its own.