From my position as DofE Manager for Greater Manchester, I have seen the difference DofE makes to young people.

In Greater Manchester 11,000 young people take part in DofE with 1/3 coming from a disadvantage back ground. I have seen first had stories formed in young people that will become stories for life as they grow into adulthood.

I was the DofE Manager in Cowley School St Helens, were the DofE grew and grew. Gold expeditions to France were part of the Award. As the Gold participants followed the route taken by Cowley old boys in the first world war. Emotions run high as the DofE participants stood at some the graves of young men the same age as themselves.

Dragon Boat racing became a physical activity that quickly linked with the Under 18 Great Britain Team training in Liverpool. Some DofE participants joined the training squad and were selected for the GB team. They went on to represent the country and World and European Championships, becoming European champions in Prague. All experiences that came out the DofE.

I had the privilege of hosting the last ever Gold group HRH was introduced to in England, in the grounds of Buckingham Palace. As ever HRH took it all in his stride and was as brilliant with the Gold participant's as he as always been.

HRH has left us a fantastic legacy, one built on his loyal service to us all. The Challenge for us is what kind of legacy will we leave behind?

Is your life well lead (like HRH) or well displayed (shallow on social media)