I completed my Bronze DofE Award in 1999 as a Year 9 student at Secondary School...this experience fueled my passion for the outdoors and led me to complete a degree in PE teaching where I have focused on delivering outdoor education within Secondary Schools. I have been fortunate to travel around the World on school expeditions and lead a successful DofE programme for 10 years at my current school where I have delivered the awards to over 3000 participants. In 2020, Azarias was founded which is an AAP provider for DofE and we are currently focusing on leading DofE expeditions for young people, as well as developing a small Forest School in the local area.

My passion towards the outdoors has been shared with friends and family and is how I met my husband. We have spent many weeks on DofE expeditions running around looking for participants in the UK countryside and have shared many adventures together. We now have two children (2 years and 5 years old) who love the outdoors and spend as many hours as possible outside. Our eldest has already ticked a mountain off of his list and can't wait to return to climb more mountains when we are able to travel and explore again!

I have no doubt that the DofE award has shaped my personal and professional life and will forever be thankful for being given the opportunity to experience this award as a participant, volunteer, leader and AAP manager. I hope that our journey on the DofE award will continue for many years to come!