I was lucky enough to be able to take part in the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme in the early 1990's. I say lucky as I feel that the challenges and opportunities it offered me allowed me to follow paths that I may not have been brave enough to try otherwise.

I have two overriding memories during the completion of my Bronze DofE award. I felt so grateful to be given the chance to volunteer in a veterinary practice for my volunteering section. It was here that I was able to get involved in delivering newborn puppies, one of which I was entrusted with keeping warm. The caring nature of the vet's role and the nursing support embedded in me the need for care and rapport during both such happy and difficult times. This ultimately led me to working in the NHS as I wanted to replicate this within a caring profession.

During our expedition, I have such fun memories of camping next to a tarn half way up a mountain! I remember so clearly how wet we all were from constant rain yet here we were sleeping next to more water, trying to stuff our sodden walking boots with newspaper (a top tip given by our leaders)to dry them out! All we could do was laugh but it certainly created happy memories and a love of the outdoors to this day.

The DofE award scheme is unrivalled in it's ability to give so much opportunity to young people, who otherwise may not have had this, yet at the same time I feel it gives courage, strength, skills and lasting memories. I am now thoroughly enjoying supporting and offering my daughter advice through her Bronze award. What a wonderful legacy HRH Prince Philip has left for our future generation.