After completing my bronze at 14 I changed school and became a direct entrant into the Gold programme. Despite completing A levels at the same time I loved completing my Award. My expedition in the Lake District was gruelling and took place in the drought of 1979, but I still remember the whole experience with pride in the achievement. My Award ceremony at Buckingham Palace was amazing and the first time I got to speak to Prince Philip. 4 years later I became a teacher and started to support the Award in my community but ended up running an Award group in my school instead! It took over my life, in the best way! Over the next 29 years I helped build up the group from 3 participants to over 200 a year, with many colleagues getting on board to help, and was fortunate enough to meet and talk to HRH 3 more times as my Gold's received their Awards. Just before I retired I handed over the responsibility to other, younger colleagues and then was truly honoured to meet Prince Edward and receive a long-service Award. The whole Award experience will be with me for life, has given me many many friends and I wouldn't have changed it for the World.