My journey with the Duke of Edinburgh's Award began in 1962 when I started with my Bronze award. In 1968 I received my Gold award in the grounds of Buckingham Palace. Since 1968 I have been an award leader when I set up the Thurrock Duke of Edinburgh's Award Club which is still running 52 years later and I am still a leader today. One of our original members of the club went on to get his gold award and is now the club chairperson.
The award has played a major role in my family with 3 generations gaining their Gold award, myself, both my daughters and in 2019 my Granddaughter. Another granddaughter has now started on her D of E journey doing her Bronze award. For all of my family the award has played a major part in giving us life skills such as leadership, teamwork and decision making. Over the years I have lead expeditions to Bermuda, South Africa and the Pyrenees. I have had the privilege to see the change and development of hundreds of young people through their D of E journey. I am currently supporting D of E participants with their D of E and expedition training virtually which is a real learning curve for me, but that's what the D of E teaches us you never stop learning.