I remember fondly my school participating in the Duke of Edinburgh Scheme in the 1970's. From learning how to read maps and finding my way around rural England, to seeing a different side of society I wasn't really aware of, changed my opinion of people in general.

I volunteered in a children's home, and this was so sad, seeing children younger than me who had literally nothing to call their own. I cried many times, and went back to visit after I "needed".

Later I was a volunteer National Park Warden in North Yorkshire, giving guided walks. I already loved nature, wildlife, but this just proved that others were also caring about the same things as me. Very uplifting.

My friendships with 3 friends at school were strengthened through the expeditions, from deciding where to go, planning and walking many miles together. One of my favourite memories was sat outside a Youth Hostel on Lake Windermere with my friends. It was a gorgeous summer evening in 1976, and there was a guy from Australia who was travelling the world, with a small rucksack and a guitar. Most of the visitors of the Youth Hostel sang along. Idyllic, and wouldn't have experienced that without the D of E.

Of course, my mother attended Buckingham Palace with me when collecting my Gold Award. She loved it (as did I).
I took out my badge from my jewelry box after HRH Prince Philip passed away, and I choked up.
He was a lovely man, and changed many lives for the better.

Rest in Peace our Prince XX