The expeditions for bronze, silver and gold brought me out into nature in Northern Ireland during a time in the 1980s when there was trouble in city areas. I learnt how to map read, use a compass and rely on my team mates in remote places.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s award gave me confidence to try things and to take time to find a way through a difficult situation. Not to give up but to try. Through the community service it gave me an opportunity to help others.

I am grateful to the Duke of Edinburgh for setting up the Scheme and for the opportunities it gave me that I may never have tried otherwise.