Gold Award Presentation at St James's Palace on Wednesday 27 November 2019
515 young people collected their Gold Award Certificates on Wednesday 27 November 2019 at St James’s Palace in the presence of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh.
Morning Presentation
Left to right: Ranvir Singh, Aldo Kane, Dr Sabrina Cohen-Hatton, Baroness Grey-Thompson DBE, DL
Throne Room – London
Presenter – Ranvir Singh, TV Presenter & Political Editor, Good Morning Britain
“You’ve all achieved something amazing. Through all those difficult times, you got up and did it. You have to work at success, and this is the beginning of your ambition. Recognise your own spark and don’t let it go to waste.”
Entrée Room – London & South East
Presenter – Aldo Kane, Adventurer, Explorer, Author & TV Presenter
“Remember that you become what you think about. Have courage, determination, unselfishness & cheerfulness in the face of adversity.”
Queen Anne Room – Central England
Presenter – Baroness Grey-Thompson DBE, DL, Paralympian, Crossbench Peer, Motivational Speaker & DofE Trustee
“From everyone at the DofE, we’re really proud of your achievement. DofE is about challenging and pushing yourself. Aim high, even if you do hit a cabbage.”
Picture Gallery – South East
Presenter – Dr Sabrina Cohen-Hatton, Chief Fire Officer, West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service
“Grit, sacrifice and sheer determination is what it takes to achieve a Gold DofE Award. One phrase that comes to mind is ‘Great Expectations’. I urge you to think about your expectations, but don’t be bound by them. Think big and then think bigger again!”
Afternoon Presentation
Left to right: Julia Bradbury, Nick Butter, Andrea Byrne, John Sergeant
Throne Room – Wales
Presenter – Andrea Byrne, ITV Wales News Presenter, ITV
“The skills you’ve gained will stay with you long after your blisters have healed.”
Entrée Room – North of England
Presenter – Nick Butter, Ultra Runner, Endurance Athlete, Adventurer & Charity Fundraiser
“Tomorrow is a maybe, today is a privilege. Do what you love and appreciate the now. A huge congratulations to everyone; continue to do yourself proud.”
Queen Anne Room – Central England / UK Power Networks
Presenter – John Sergeant, Journalist
“You’ve worked away with your resilience to achieve this. You may get given seemingly impossible questions to test you but believe in yourself and make yourself stand out.”
Picture Gallery – North of England
Presenter – Julia Bradbury, Presenter
“Be resilient. Fall down seven, then stand up eight.”
