Just over 30 years ago the Duke shook my hand at Windsor Chapel. I have managed to find my certificate and some cartoons that a fellow gold D of E team member drew for our presentation. Very happy memories and a resilience which I have taken with me through life. I encouraged my daughter to complete her bronze award last year. For her this was an even bigger achievement having had a stroke at the age of 8 and been told she would not walk again. Meeting her as she arrived at the end, after two days of torrential rain and mud, was one of the most emotional days of my life.

As a headteacher I know that I will continue to pass on the skills and attributes I gained during those days over 30 years ago.