I was part of the first cohort at my secondary school to take part in the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme. None of us really knew much about it, however it sounded interesting and worthwhile. I did my Bronze Award in the late 1980s and living in Scotland, we were very fortunate to have many places to carry out the expedition part of the Award. The expedition was my favourite element of the Award scheme. We camped and also used youth hostels which was my first ever experience of youth hostelling. I volunteered at the local hospital by serving tea and coffee to elderly patients and their visitors, I learned calligraphy and also took part in orienteering. Due to the wonderful sense of fulfilment that I felt from achieving the Bronze Award, I was very keen to continue to Silver. It was more challenging, however with the personal skills that I had already experienced from the Bronze Award; responsibility, risk assessment, resilience, humour in difficulties and team working, I felt prepared for the challenges ahead.

The sense of achievement in attaining both Awards made me feel 'giant'. I had learned so much about myself personally and also how to work best with others. There is no doubt in my mind that the experience of DofE has positively affected my life immensely. I had the confidence to travel to Australia myself when I was in my early 20s, before gap years had been invented! I planned and supported my year's working holiday there. I still have a love of adventure and being outdoors. I have been able to share my passion with my young daughter and we have spent many lovely holidays in youth hostels exploring new areas to us both.

I am indebted to His Royal Highness, Prince Philip for his vision and energy in establishing the DofE Award Scheme. I very much encourage any young person to take part in it. The benefits reaped from doing DofE will be with you for life.

Get out there and do it!