I was part of DofE Norfolk for a few years, and it was always fantastic to speak to candidates past and present, their plans for their award or what made it special, spending time with candidates as an assessor, seeing them complete expeditions is always great, hearing tales of getting lost, how the rain made it difficult, making decisions that didn't go to plan, and the successes, then making it back to camp, putting tents up before the rain came, being snug and warm as the other groups arrive, finding new foods, sharing experiences.

I've gone on to become a director of an AAP, I still assess and help out, and now my daughter is starting on her DofE adventure, finding volunteering opportunities, learning a new skill, all things that will help her later in life.

I completed my Diamond DofE challenge, climbing Snowdon in the aftermath of a full blow winter storm, something that I'll never forget, we didn't make the summit, but it will still be there in years to come. I've met many like-minded friends through DofE and hope that more people do the same. So a big heartfelt thanks goes out to everyone involved. Not just HRH but to everyone who makes the DofE award what it is....