I loved my DofE experience, and it built my confidence and determination. We walked in all extremes of British weather - scorching hot days where we lathered ourselves in sun cream and still got burnt, compared to a weekend of torrential rain where we ended up lining our boots with plastic bags because they were so soaked through with rain from the previous day. We spent our days singing songs and naming snails that we would carry with us for a couple of miles as extra company. I learnt to become the motivator, and remaining positive has served me well through many situations since completion of my expedition. Receiving my Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award at Buckingham Palace was an amazing experience, shared with my Mum who completed Gold DofE herself 40 years prior, that I will remember forever.