I have chosen to make a donation in memory of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, because both my children achieved Awards through their schools.

My daughter, who has Down's syndrome, got her Bronze and Silver Awards while she was at Fordwater School, Chichester and my son achieved all three: Bronze, Silver and Gold, at BIshop Luffa School, Chichester. They both really enjoyed participating in the scheme and it developed their self-confidence, their self-esteem, gave them opportunities to try fantastic new activities and a real sense of pride and achievement. My daughter completed her Silver expedition by kayak, and my son went on some amazing camping trips in the New Forest, Brecon Beacons, Snowdonia, and the Lake District, something which we were unable to do together as a family.

Doing the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme gave my son the confidence to go off to America travelling on his own during his gap year before starting University.

I am proud of both my children for rising to the challenges they experienced through the Scheme and grateful for the excellent support and guidance they received through their schools to enable them to achieve their Awards. I hope the Scheme will continue to reach out to many more families and offer life-changing experiences for young people of all backgrounds and abilities for years to come.