The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award chosen for The Telegraph Christmas Charity Appeal

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) is one of four charities chosen to be part of this year’s Telegraph Christmas Charity Appeal.  

Money raised from the appeal will help the DofE build on The Duke of Edinburgh’s legacy by reaching one million young people over the next five years. It will help make sure the most marginalised young people in the UK have the chance to do their DofE, build their resilience and self-belief and have the best possible chance in life. 

Ruth Marvel, CEO of the DofE, said: “Right now, the DofE has never been more needed. Young people – especially marginalised young people – have been hard hit by the pandemic, with their mental health, education and job opportunities all affected. Their potential is limitless – but they need our support to develop the skills, resilience and self-belief to successfully navigate the uncertain world ahead. 

“In the year we lost our patron, The Duke of Edinburgh, we’re so grateful to Telegraph readers for helping us continue his legacy by giving as many young people as possible the chance to benefit from the life-changing challenge of their DofE.” 

Bronze Award holder Lily, 15, said: “DofE has shaped my life in so many ways that I can’t even begin to imagine. It is a great experience and I can’t wait to get onto the next level. You just become a better version of yourself.” 

A donation of: 

• Just £30 could pay for equipment to help a young person from a deprived area complete their DofE expedition.  
• £50 could help train a DofE volunteer to ensure more young people with a disability can achieve their Award.  
• £200 could cover the cost of the whole Bronze DofE journey for a young person facing financial hardship – or pay for a minibus to take 12 marginalised young people to their expedition.  
• £1,500 could buy a specially adapted bicycle for young people with additional needs, giving them independence and freedom to complete their physical challenge. 

The appeal launched in The Telegraph, in print and online, on 6 November, and the public can donate until 15 January 2022. The other chosen charities are Maggie’s, Dogs Trust and the Alzheimer’s Society.