Silver Award holder Kirsty carries the Olympic torch after being nominated by her DofE Leader

Kirsty has achieved her Bronze Award and is currently working on her Silver programme and has carried the Olympic torch after she was nominated by her DofE Leader, Kevin. These achievements would be impressive enough, but Kirsty is all the more inspirational as she has cerebral palsy and used a wheelchair till the age of 13.

With a supportive network including a great foster family and DofE Leader Kevin, Kirsty has been able to achieve some amazing things through her DofE programmes and do some great activities along the way.

The DofE has helped Kirsty purchased an electric trike which has meant that she has been able to complete a Bronze expedition in the Aberfoyle forest. She is also able to go on bike rides in the school holidays with her brothers and sisters.

As part of her DofE programmes, Kirsty stays extremely active and does Zumba and karate. She is also a member of her local Girls’ Brigade and is the life and soul of her DofE group.

The adventures do not stop there for Kirsty. Last year she abseiled off the Titan Crane in Glasgow and she has also done a bridge swing – where she leapt off a bridge in a 4m length of rope and was lowered into a canoe for removal from the bridge.

The DofE has provided Kirsty with some great opportunities but none of them would have been possible without her fantastic support network, courageous determination and positive outlook.