I did my Bronze and Silver Awards at school, and then carried on with Gold which I completed after leaving school. I have so many memories, from expeditions in the snow with school friends, to volunteering at our local vets where I saw puppies being delivered by caesarean and helped towel them when they were delivered. I had a fantastic week in Wiltshire volunteering with the National Trust for my Gold residential. My Gold practice and Final expedition were both completed with other participants from all over the UK through open groups, one in the Lake District, and my final in the Brecon Beacons which I completed with my sister. It’s a shame they were long before social media existed as we have long since lost touch with our fellow walkers, but I do think of them often, and always with a smile. My sister and I received our Gold Awards together at St James Palace in July 1993, and were lucky enough to speak to the Duke of Edinburgh when he came over to our group.
Doing DofE definitely boosted my self confidence and belief in my abilities, and I learned skills which I still use to this day, particularly when out walking in the hills.
Thank you to Prince Philip for creating such a treasured award scheme, he has left an amazing legacy and will never be forgotten. RIP.