My gold duke of Edinburgh Award practice expedition was particularly memorable because my team actually ended up becoming amateur mountain rescue unexpectedly! During our hike through the Brecon Beacons (on our first day no less...) we were approached by a lady whose horse had its leg trapped in the rocks! We were really challenged as a team because we had to communicate, persevere and hold strong as a unit to free the trapped horse. It took us four hours chipping away with walking poles, penknives and various other equipment, but we were successful in freeing the battered-but-otherwise-okay horse!

I met the Duke of Edinburgh at a summer awards ceremony for an award I had achieved outside of D of E... but D of E had definitely led me up to that point as it gave me the confidence and maturity to pursue other awards with the Duke as patron. In person, HRH Prince Phillip D of E was charming, funny and with a spark in his eye that I am sure many witnessed and will continue to remember after his passing. My heart goes out to the Royal Family, of course Her Majesty the Queen especially, and to all who knew him. His work with D of E and other related awards gave so many opportunities and experiences to so many. We will all be eternally grateful to him for his service. Rest in Peace.