I completed my Gold award in 1982. I retain a love of the outdoors and hiking and cherish the memory of going to Buckingham palace to receive my gold award. I was applying for a college course around the same time. Over 100 people had applied for 18 places. At my interview most of the questions I was asked where about what i had done for my DofE award. I was given a place and believe my award won me that place at college and lead to me following an enjoyable career in childcare. I also continued with my voluntarily service at the hospital for over ten years and have made life long friends.