I was an unhappy overweight schoolboy who was bullied and lacked self confidence. I was rebelling by committing acts of vandalism. I joined the DofE scheme at Bronze level as I liked their goals of self-improvement and challenge.

I loved the combination of physical development, planning and completing expeditions and advancing areas of interest - in my case electronics. Later, as I advanced into Silver and Gold levels, I expanded into teaching rock-climbing, winter mountaineering, caving and social care, the latter setting my direction into medicine.

The DofE scheme turned me around and I still remember my father's pride as we walked through the gates of Buck House for the Gold Award ceremony. Thank you!