I'm thankful for the opportunity to have undertaken my Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award. Our dedicated instructor, Flying Officer Ralph Appleby of the Air Training Corps (Air Cadets) mentored a group of us. I cleaned war memorials; little did I know in the future I'd work for the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. I furthered my military drumming; something I miss but music remains a big part of my life. I swam; swimming is still not my best sport but as outdoor pools have reopened this spring have found myself in the water again. And the expedition over Thetford was memorable - little did I know I'd be seeing much more of Thetford in military training to come. The Duke of Edinburgh Award prepared me for so much in my life without me knowing. It meant I could apply for an Air League Flying Scholarship (which I did - and was successful). It was foundation of skills I have today, it was the beginning of so many things. When you're an Air Cadet, you get awarded a DoE patch that sits on your right shoulder - a signal to other cadets you've gone that bit further - and hopefully, an encouragement.