I have led the award for the last 17 years, starting the award on my Air Cadet Squadron. In that time I have been lucky enough to participate in a number of expeditions, helping 100s of young people through their award.
I am a Gold award holder myself. I remember getting absolutely drenched, eating pasta for days on end, the beautiful views and the camaraderie of our team.

Now I love to give young people the same experience, taking them outside of their comfort zone, getting them to explore the countryside, see new wildlife, learn how to map read and become self-sufficient. The looks on parent's faces when they watch their child walk away with a huge rucksack for the first time, and then greet them back, their child slightly muddied or completely soaked!

I've taken students away that have never seen cows before, only to be met by a whole field of cows - which then leads to a very panicked phone call! I've rescued young people from bogs and we've lost boots! We've lit campfires, rescued outer layers of tents from trees, and managed to map read with a map that had turned to pulp from being out in the rain.

I have so many wonderful memories of the Duke of Edinburgh Award, and I know there will be so many in the future too. This award has created so many opportunities for young people, it enables them to thrive and flourish in activities that they may not have considered before. It teaches them life skills, strength, determination, and resilience. It brings young people together into friendships that last a lifetime.

Thank you for the opportunities that you have created, for the memories, the friendships, and the life skills.
You have inspired millions of young people around the world to participate in something life-changing and that will never, ever be forgotten. Thank you, from all at Kingsthorpe College, Northampton.