Sarah Thomas
Where to start!! At the age of 14 when I signed up to do my Bronze Award I had no idea what a huge impact the DofE would have on my life. After Bronze (my main memories being locked out late at night of the Youth Hostel we were staying in for a practice, and turning vegetarian after camping on a farm) I moved on to Silver then Gold in quick succession. After receiving my Gold Award at St James's Palace I thought that was probably the end of my association with the Award, until a job advert caught my eye in the London Evening Standard in 1996 for a role in The Duke of Edinburgh's Award Fundraising Team. My first proper job became my only job as I stayed with the DofE for 22 years until 2018. I feel blessed to have had such a fulfilling job, organising fundraising events (from Pitlochry to Portugal, via Wentworth, the Royal Albert Hall and a few Royal residences) that all raised funds to support the work of the DofE. I feel really honoured to have met Prince Philip on many occasions. He will be sorely missed but what a legacy he leaves in the shape of the DofE. RIP Sir.