Although I was never lucky enough to have the opportunity to take part in the DofE as a young person, as soon as I heard about the DofE whilst working in a school I quickly got involved and ended up volunteering to manage the award in the school where I worked.

Despite the cold and rain on our first expedition a group of young people came to see me afterwards and said that this was the best weekend of their lives.

Knowing how much of an impact the DofE had, I decided to complete my BEL Award which enabled me to lead on expeditions. I volunteered for 5 years helping many young people to change their lives for the better.

This experience led me to my job at The DofE where I have been for nearly 7 years. Watching the news and seeing all the support and amazing achievements of everyone involved in the DofE has made me prouder than ever to work here.

I am also very honoured to have met HRH The Duke of Edinburgh and even felt a little star struck when he spoke to me. I hope he is looking down and feeling so proud of the millions of lives that he has helped to change – including my own as an adult!