Exceptional Service:

torchbearer
of the year

Lisa is standing outdoors near a canal lock. She is wearing a blue puffer jacket over a light blue shirt and is smiling gently. The background features greenery and a canal with a lock gate visible.

lisa

Lisa, our Torchbearer of the Year, has been supporting the DofE for over 27 years. Her journey began in 1997 when she volunteered to support her school’s Gold expedition in the Lake District. Since then, Lisa has taken on the DofE Manager role at multiple schools, continuing her commitment even after leaving teaching. 

From her very first expedition, something that stood out to Lisa was the sense of family that came with DofE. She saw fellow staff members bringing their children along on the expeditions over the weekend and loved the camaraderie of the group.

“When I go out on DofE expeditions, I want the parents to think that I'm a mum to those students, and I treat those students how I would treat my own children.”

lisa

Fast forward 27 years, and Lisa’s DofE experience has encapsulated this camaraderie and sense of family. Her husband, Brett, supported her on expeditions, and her children completed their own Awards. Her son, Matt, now a newly qualified teacher and DofE Manager at his school, credits Lisa as his biggest inspiration, saying he has fond memories of accompanying her on expeditions “for as long as [he] can remember.”

For Lisa, the most rewarding part of supporting the DofE has been witnessing young people’s sense of achievement. She describes the expeditions as emotional journeys filled with “joy, tears, and pain” and values the lessons of selflessness young people learn through volunteering.

Two young men and a woman are posing outside a modern building with large glass windows and wooden panels. The young men are wearing formal suits—one in dark gray and the other in light gray—paired with white shirts and ties. The woman standing between them is wearing a floral white dress with a red cardigan. All three are smiling at the camera. Other people dressed in formal attire can be seen in the background, suggesting a formal event, such as a graduation or awards ceremony.

"Half the time, I don't think she realises the impact that she does have."

Matt
Lisa's son

A group of four people stands outdoors in a natural setting, surrounded by greenery. Two women and two men are engaged in conversation. One woman, wearing a black leather jacket, smiles at a man in a brown coat, who is also smiling. The second woman, dressed in a blue puffer jacket, looks at the group with a friendly expression, while the man in a black jacket stands nearby, listening. The atmosphere appears relaxed and friendly.A group of four people stands outdoors in a natural setting, surrounded by greenery. Two women and two men are engaged in conversation. One woman, wearing a black leather jacket, smiles at a man in a brown coat, who is also smiling. The second woman, dressed in a blue puffer jacket, looks at the group with a friendly expression, while the man in a black jacket stands nearby, listening. The atmosphere appears relaxed and friendly.

Inclusivity has been central to Lisa’s approach. She has worked tirelessly to ensure the DofE is accessible to all, including students from marginalised backgrounds, often fundraising for equipment or lending her own. She has adapted expeditions for young people with physical disabilities and mental health conditions and encouraged participation from ethnic minority groups by engaging with parents and respecting cultural traditions like Ramadan. Lisa’s driving belief is that young people are “our future,” and she strives to help them become “the best person they can be.”

special mention

A man and a woman walk along a canal path, each holding the leash of a brown dog. The man is wearing a black jacket and beige pants, while the woman is dressed in a blue puffer jacket. They are surrounded by greenery and a calm waterway, with houses visible in the background. The sky is overcast, suggesting a cool day.
A group of young people and an adult supervisor are gathered outdoors in a grassy area surrounded by bushes and trees. Several green tents are set up in the background, suggesting a camping trip. The young people are sitting in a circle on the grass, engaged in a group activity or discussion, with some cooking equipment and food items in the center. The adult supervisor, wearing a blue jacket and boots, is standing to the left, addressing the group. The scene reflects a Duke of Edinburgh's Award experience.

alysha

Alysha’s DofE journey began when she earned her Gold Award as a young participant, later becoming a Youth Ambassador. As a fellow volunteer remarks, Alysha “gives her whole life to the DofE”, and, as she’s “gone through the process herself, she understands it.”  

Alysha began her DofE leadership with just seven students. Today, her programme has expanded to 45 participants thanks to her commitment and inclusive approach. She has built a supportive network, partnering with local charities to fund resources that enhance students' skills and confidence. 

Her commitment to accessibility is unwavering. Alysha has created opportunities for students with various needs, including those who are diabetic, blind, autistic, or facing emotional and social challenges. She also arranged a “Bushskills” trip to prepare Year 8 students for Bronze, determined to break down any barriers to participation.  

Alysha’s DofE programme boasts an impressive 94% completion rate – nearly double the national average of 55% – a testament to her dedication. Her infectious enthusiasm helps her to secure essential funding and gather enough resources to loan essential items to all participants, removing financial barriers for students.  

Alysha’s influence extends beyond her students to the group of volunteers she has drawn together, creating a “legacy” of community support. She “invests in her volunteers massively” and ensures they feel truly valued. Every year, Alysha organises a celebration where DofE participants award volunteers with certificates of appreciation, recognising their hours and impact. Volunteers are also invited to a special meal prepared by students.  

Alysha shares, “I take pride in the fact we have a legacy – we have an incredible group of volunteers, including ex-staff and parents. Our volunteers are front and centre, we really prioritise them.”  

Through her leadership, Alysha not only strengthens the DofE programme but also instils a lasting sense of pride and accomplishment among both students and volunteers that stay with them for years to come.   

meet the winners

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is a registered charity in England and Wales (1072490) and Scotland (SC038254). © The Duke of Edinburgh's Award 2023
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