My teenage years were not my easiest. After a younger childhood involving participation in many sporting, guiding and social groups, a number of changes in my family life meant that I was living in a more remote, unfamiliar location in the countryside (which I did grow to love). I went ‘off the rails’ a bit at that time. It was a Geography Teacher and DofE volunteer, Judith Webb, who encouraged and inspired me to participate in the DofE scheme, this culminated in achieving a gold award. I worked hard, graduated, and was lucky enough to pursue a rewarding and successful career. I am sure the DofE made a huge difference at a point in my life where things could have gone either way. I am now a Trustee of a number of Charities and a Non Exec Director of a number of businesses and thank the DofE for the significant part that the scheme played in tipping the balance towards a positive approach to life.