I took part in the D of E Award scheme at my school, King Edward VI Camp Hill Grammar School for Girls in Birmingham. I loved it, particularly the Expeditions which gave me a real sense of adventure. I can still remember the excitement of seeing an oxbow lake (studied in my O Level Geography) as we climbed a hill on our Gold Expedition: the school text book had become real life! What was also memorable about that trip was the weather: an Easter heatwave meant that we were hiking in shorts and T shirt and lugging ALL the warm clothing!

For my Gold Residential, I took part i youth exchange to India which was another amazing experience for a 16 year old! I think the structure and flexibility offered by the scheme were great motivators, pushing participants to dream big and take on new challenges.

I was fortunate to meet HRH Prince Philip when he came to my school to see what D of E participants were doing. Since I was doing Lifesaving as my Service at that time, I actually met him in my swimsuit!

When I came to apply to university, having D of E qualifications not only meant I had something to write on the UCAS form, it meant I had exciting things to talk about at interview and I had grown in confidence as a person.
My mum was so proud to come with me to Buckingham Palace to receive my Gold Award in 1982. I was then delighted to accompany my daughter to St James' Place to receive her Gold Award from HRH Prince Edward in 2019!

Once Covid restrictions are lifted, my youngest daughter will be able to resume preparations for her Gold expeditions and I hope to help with the delivery of the scheme at my new school.

So, massive thanks to HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, for having the vision to start the Award Scheme. It has brought joy, excitement and self-belief to so many young people. May he rest in peace and may the D of E Award Scheme live on in his memory.