I've suffered from Polio all my life and have used crutches since age 12. I was encouraged to join the Army Cadet Force at Archbishop Tenison School, and as a result started my DofE. My first Bronze expedition in Dartmoor was the first time I'd been out of Brixton in the English countryside; the first time I had cooked for myself; the first time I had slept in a tent - the whole experience changed my life. DofE gave me the confidence and determination to prove that I could do everything my friends could do, and more!
Even though DofE Award holders are from all walks of life and various different backgrounds, we have a collective shared experience in the DofE which means we can boast of having an extended family across the world. I think that is a rather profound and happy thought we can all keep with us.