Hiking in the Troodos mountains of Cyprus for my Bronze Award, with a map in Greek - what could possibly go wrong? It was mid-morning, we were hungry and lost. Out came the emergency rations – seemed sensible when you’re 14, although against all we had been taught. We plodded on heroically and with good humour.

Dusk descended and our dilemma slowly dawned on us. No food, mobile phones not invented and no idea of our whereabouts. At home, British forces radio reported school children missing in the Troodos Mountains. The army had been mobilised.

We stumbled into a ravine, the rush of the river flooded our thoughts. It was then that a lone searchlight shone from above, followed by a shout. In a moment of overwhelming relief, I vowed to one day become an expert in mountain walking. I went on to gain my Gold Award, presented to me by HRH Prince Philip, and as an adult, I became an instructor for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme, training young people not to make the mountain walking mistakes that I had made that day.

What am amazing scheme it is and every young person should be given the opportunity to take part. I will be forever grateful to those who introduced me to the DofE Award.