This Valentine’s Day we caught up with some of the couples who met during their DofE to see where they are now and how DofE helped to  shape their lives.

Alain & Glenda

1. How did you meet?

We were both in the classroom planning expedition routes. The male marine cadets were at one end of the room and the girls were at the other, but the first time we spoke was when we were out walking as a group. I was walking ahead and Alain made a funny remark so I looked around and laughed at him. We later completed our Expeditions together and haven’t looked back since.

2. What was the most memorable moment from your DofE?

We had an ex-Colour Sergeant that took us on our Expeditions and he lived and breathed the Expedition section! We would have kit inspections and if we forgot something he would give us a brick to put in our backpack for the day, we all found it very funny! At the time we lived in Jersey, and we didn’t have anywhere boggy to mimic Dartmoor, so we used to practise on the beach to simulate being knee-deep in mud or water!

3. What did you learn from your DofE?

The social interaction between everyone at DofE really improved my confidence, and the beauty of it is that anyone can do – not quite the impossible – but almost anything if you put your mind to it.

4. Where are you both now?

We live in Jersey and have been married for 38 years! We’ve been together for 44 years and we have two children – a son, daughter and Border Collie. We live on a farm which allows us to carry on our love for walking. I’ve been singing for 46 years since my DofE Skills section – I joined a choir and I’m still there now, we compete internationally and are quite good actually! We feel very privileged to have been part of the DofE.

5. What difference do you think the DofE can make to young people’s lives?

It really is life changing and character building. We feel very privileged to have been part of DofE and we recognise the efforts put in by our DofE leaders and thank them for all the hours they put in.

Amy and James

1. How did you meet?

We met during our Gold Expedition 12 years ago. We were in the same group for our practice expedition – James was the only boy in an all-girl group! I remember our first conversation was about being lost on our first day. I said something like “how do we get out of here then”?

2. What was the most memorable moment from your DofE?

After we finished our DofE we were invited to attend a service for the DofE Diamond Challenge at Westminster Abbey which was attended by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh and HM The Queen. It was such a beautiful service and we have so many happy memories from that day.

3. What did you learn from your DofE?

To always work as a team, as we started as a team – be self-sufficient and love each other.

4. Where are you both now?

We have been together for 10 years and are currently engaged. We have just had our little baby and in memory of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, and because we met during our DofE, we decided to call him George Duke as we wanted a name that connected us both. George was born in January 2021 and, although at the time we didn’t realise The Duke of Edinburgh would pass away a few months later, it made the year all the more special to us. We will always remember His Royal Highness for being such an inspiration and special person to us. We both met him a few times, I loved his wit! He always told jokes and had a comeback. I enjoyed and laughed every time I met him.

5. What difference do you think the DofE can make to young people’s lives?

It’s really been life-changing, I’ve learnt so many life skills. 

Craig and Rachel

1. How did you meet?

We met during our DofE Residential. I was 17 at the same time. My parents say I spoke about Craig the whole way home, I don’t remember this! Sparks flew and 12 years later we’re happily married, and I’m a Leader and Assessor for my local DofE group. Without DofE I would never have met my husband.

2. What was the most memorable moment from your DofE?

I did my Gold Expedition on my 17th birthday – we carried the cake around with us and in our bothy we had a campfire and ate chocolate cake with our Leader. As a DofE Leader, my most memorable moment was in 2016 when I had just qualified as an Assessor. A young girl who had muscular dystrophy was in my group during the Bronze Expedition and I’ve never seen an individual more mentally robust. The whole group was an amazing example of teamwork – they carried each other’s bags, walked slowly for an hour at a time so we could get ahead and stop for a rest before the group reached her. It was a very proud moment for me as a teacher.

3. What did you learn from your DofE?

The power of the outdoors. Being a teacher, I have always been a big advocate for being outdoors, so I always push outdoor education. We have Wellbeing Wednesday at school where we take our class outside for half an hour each week, they all love it.

4. Where are you both now?

We’ve been happily married for 10 years with two cats, and I’m a Leader and Assessor for my local DofE group.

5. What difference do you think the DofE can make to young people’s lives?

It was one of the most challenging things I’ve ever tackled but I can say with immense pride that I completed each section with a smile on my face. It put me the on the pathway I was meant to be on and it shaped who I am.