Inspirational Adult:
life changer
of the year
danny
“Dream big” is Danny’s message for his students at Firwood High School, an SEND school in Bolton. Known for making the “impossible, possible,” Danny goes above and beyond to ensure every student who wants to take part in The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award can do so. Whether it’s adapting expeditions or supporting students with their volunteering, Danny is driven by the belief that the DofE offers his students opportunities they wouldn’t otherwise have. He hopes they walk away with lasting memories, strong friendships, and a growing confidence that fuels even bigger aspirations.
With a passion for the outdoors, Danny saw becoming the DofE Manager as a perfect fit for both his teaching approach and Firwood’s ethos of “learning without limits.” His focus is on finding “creative solutions to make the DofE possible,” while maintaining an appropriate challenge for each student’s needs. From bringing in cheering crowds when the students return from expeditions to daily encouragement, Danny’s care and attention make for a memorable DofE experience. His colleagues describe him as putting his “heart and soul” into the Awards, with the energy and stamina to overcome any obstacle.
Danny ensures students choose their own activities, from hydrotherapy and rebound therapy to independent travel and volunteering at the school bistro. This fosters engagement and gives them a real sense of ownership. These activities not only teach life skills but also help students build connections within their community – experiences they might not otherwise have.
“We go above and beyond. We change the situation for students to access the Award, no matter their ability level.”
Danny
Danny hopes the DofE helps his students go “beyond what they think they can do,” empowering them to dream big and approach the future with confidence. For him, the most rewarding outcomes are the friendships formed, the memories made, and the growth his students achieve. Through the DofE, Danny ensures that every young person at Firwood knows they can accomplish anything they set their mind to.
“Danny makes the impossible possible for our students.”
Julie
Danny's colleague
Danny was nominated as Life Changer of the Year by his colleagues at Firwood High School; Julie and David. He was “completely humbled and honoured” by the nomination.
special mention
lisa
Lisa is an inspirational Leader for the DofE programme at the Royal National College for the Blind who has received a special mention in the Life Changer of the Year category of This is Youth.
Lisa’s colleagues share that she brings enthusiasm and a deep commitment to breaking down barriers for visually impaired young people. Her creative approach ensures that every student can fully participate, often in ways they never imagined. For many, camping is a first – let alone using a Trangia stove to cook their own food. Each year, Lisa supports around 15-20 young people as they take on their Bronze and Silver Awards, and this year, two students even registered for Gold. Her dedication extends beyond programme logistics: she collaborates closely with the college’s Independent Living Skills team to create challenging yet safe expedition experiences where students can build confidence and self-reliance.
Under Lisa’s guidance, students who have never trekked, climbed hills, pitched tents, or cooked outdoors are achieving these milestones for the first time. She empowers them to push beyond their comfort zones, instilling a sense of resilience and courage that extends far beyond DofE activities. In a world where 64% of visually impaired people wish to be more active but often face barriers (RNIB), Lisa is bridging that gap. She’s not only supporting physical activity; she’s equipping students with vital life skills, enhancing their independence, and boosting their employability – a powerful step, given that only one in four registered blind and sighted people of working age are employed in the UK.
Lisa’s DofE cohorts get the chance to take on their expedition with confidence and support in a way that works for them. Lisa empowers her visually impaired students to embrace their expeditions as achievable challenges. With personalised solutions like tactile maps, audio guides, speaking compasses, and a focus on teamwork, she enables them to push beyond their perceived limits. Her approach gives students the confidence to explore and achieve in ways they never thought possible. They can reach new levels of independence and confidence.
Lisa shares that Volunteering is the most impactful section of the DofE Award to her students. It’s an opportunity for young visually impaired people to help others, rather than receive help themselves – sometimes for the first time in their lives. This new dynamic – a nice chance for the students to have the “tables turned” – is ultimately so empowering for the young people at Lisa’s college, and she reports the confidence boost it brings is often “life-changing”.
Lisa’s impact on young people’s lives is truly transformative. Young people get a valuable opportunity to “improve their soft skills” and develop all-important talking points for their CVs and interviews. Not only this, they also make important new connections and friendships that enrich their social lives. Every year, she helps her students achieve far more than they thought possible – and the results speak for themselves: 95% of Lisa’s Bronze cohorts go on to do their Silver Award and enthusiastically continue their DofE journeys.
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