Gold Award Presentation at St James's Palace on Tuesday 26 November 2019

482 young people collected their Gold Award Certificates on Tuesday 26 November 2019 at St James’s Palace in the presence of HRH The Earl of Wessex.

Morning Presentation

Left to right: Andy Torbet, Katy Parrott, Alex Lewis, Major David Love

Throne Room – South East
Presenter – Alex Lewis, Quadruple Amputee & Motivational Speaker

“One of the most powerful things we all have is the ability to make a change.”

Entrée Room – South East
Presenter – Katy Parrott, Army Reserves Combat Medic & Adventure Film Producer

“Attitude is the difference between an ordeal and an adventure.”

Queen Anne Room – South East
Presenter – Andy Torbet, Explorer, Stuntman, TV Presenter & Writer

“Well done on your incredible achievement! The one unifying factor of success is hard work. Everyone can be good at being motivated to start something but sticking at it to the end is much harder. Achieving your Gold Award requires full commitment, self-discipline and hard work, and you have all demonstrated that you have that in spades.”

Picture Gallery – South East
Presenter – Major David Love, Adventurer & Commissioned Officer HM Forces (Army)

“You’ve had to show determination, commitment and resilience; which are all excellent traits. Your DofE Gold Award isn’t the end of your journey – it’s only the start.”

Afternoon Presentation

Left to right: Paul Ainsworth, Mel Nicholls, Major David Love, David Carr

Throne Room – North of England
Presenter – Major David Love, Adventurer & Commissioned Officer HM Forces (Army)

“Don’t see failure as failure, rather as a learning opportunity. You only live once.”

Entrée Room – North of England
Presenter – Mel Nicholls, Endurance Athlete, Outdoor Leader & Speaker

“I took ownership of that insanity, who’s to say what’s possible or not?”

Queen Anne Room – North of England
Presenter – David Carr, Professional Sailor

“If you are passionate about something and have the opportunity to take the risk – do it. If it doesn’t pan out, you’ve gained knowledge.”

Picture Gallery – North of England
Presenter – Paul Ainsworth, Chef & Owner, Paul Ainsworth at Number 6

“It is an honour and privilege to be here to today to celebrate this outstanding achievement with you – you should all be very proud. Think of your Gold Award as a launchpad for success, it is a very powerful tool at your fingertips that demonstrates your self-belief, commitment, team spirit and hard work to potential employers.”