As a teenager and young adult I completed all of my DofE Awards through my local Girl Guide/ Ranger unit. These walking/ camping/ life experiences brought so much to my life. Adventure, independence, friends and memories that I will cherish forever.

In 2008, I attended the Gold DofE award ceremony at Holyrood castle. The Duke of Edinburgh was there and actually spoke to our group, asking “Where we had come from?”. We replied- “Liverpool”. He told us he had been there many years before and it was a lovely city although it had rained the whole time he was there.

It was a great day meeting the Duke in such a lovey setting, surrounded by family and friends.