As a shy and quiet 6th form student, I embarked on a journey to complete my Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award with some apprehension. Throughout my experiences I gained confidence and was afforded opportunities which I would not otherwise have encountered.

I was able to participate in activities which were fun, exciting and allowed me to secure important life skills.

In so doing, a lifelong love of the outdoors and helping others began.

I remember feeling that some of the challenges, especially expeditions in cold, wet weather, were beyond me and the sense of achievement and pride when I succeeded. This sparked a lifelong love of the outdoors and helping others.

One of the proudest moments for my parents was accompanying me to the Award Ceremony in Edinburgh, where I witnessed first hand the humour , compassion and genuine engagement with young people which The Prince of Edinburgh had.

On taking up a teaching post, I was tasked with introducing the Bronze Award to my pupils and have lost count of the number of occasions when this role has allowed me to see how amazing young people can be when given the opportunity and challenge to step outside their comfort zones.

I was lucky enough to be invited to the Gold Award ceremony at Buckingham Palace to commemorate the Diamond Anniversary of the Award and was again struck by the genuine interest in and engagement with young people that Prince Phillip demonstrated, along with his own energy and dedication.

The Award is an amazing legacy for an amazing man.