I began my DofE journey in 1993 with my Bronze award whilst in secondary school before Silver initially at sixth form college and finishing it at university. I went on to complete my Gold in 2001 on returning from studying in France, receiving my award from Prince Philip in 2002 in St James' Palace. I remember vividly taking an afternoon off from my first graduate job in the city and the proud moment of going to shake his hand. Whilst at The University of York studying Chemistry I joined the university's DofE Society and became heavily involved. I took many leadership and mountaineering training courses and became responsible for leading the group during my second year. I was first a part of an Open local award group not connected to my school so I met lots of new friends in the area from different schools. I met lots of new people, had great experiences and had opportunities as a result of taking part in DofE. After graduation, I volunteered as an assessor in Hertfordshire then as a supervisor/assessor in East Riding of Yorkshire. Now I as a father I hope I can pass my love of the great outdoors, teamwork, perseverance and the lifelong love of sport I first got from DofE onto my own two children.