Unfortunately I was not offered the chance to do DofE at school, though my family were keen backpackers in the Lakes and so I got a taste for outdoor adventuring early on. After being involved in school management I have gone on to teach at a sixth form college and been given the chance to become involved, and now lead & manage, the DofE Award there. I have so many great memories from our years of guiding & supporting students through the various sections of their Awards and on expeditions in the New Forest & Exmoor. When inducting my new groups each year I talk to them about how DofE is not just for them now but is more a way of life. I have been also struck how, during coronavirus lockdowns, the nation has almost naturally embraced its ethic; look after yourself in body, mind and spirit, learn new skills and give time, attention and care to others & the wider environment. In my adult life I know that these things bring most contentment and follow the framework the Award provides almost instinctively. The Duke inspired all of this on a large and international scale with his hard-won wisdom on living a fulfilling life. We owe him much and thank him.