Tuesday, May 28, 2019

MY GOLD DUKE OF EDINBURGH AWARD

On the 19th May 2012, (just over 7 years ago), I went on my first Bronze Duke of Edinburgh expedition. On the 13th May 2019, I finally completed it; I was invited to Buckingham Palace to collect my Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award, presented by HRH The Earl of Wessex, Prince Edward. 


The Duke of Edinburgh Award is a “youth awards programme” that allows young people in the U.K. to gain skills and experience through participating in 6 expeditions (2 expeditions at Bronze, Silver and Gold level) while also taking up a new skill, sport and volunteering activity to help the local community. I was lucky enough to be able to complete all three levels, something I am incredibly proud of that has taken a long time to accomplish; 8 years in total! 


All of my expeditions were incredibly difficult. With my thoracolumbar scoliosis and recently dislocated hip, completing these expeditions was a massive physical strain for me. As well as being physically testing (and painful), completing the Bronze, Silver and Gold expeditions was an immense mental challenge and on a couple of them, I unfortunately had panic attacks and high levels of anxiety. Completing all of these expeditions has been a massive triumph for me and has taught me my physical limits and what I am capable of in trying circumstances. 


My expeditions took me through the Brecon Beacons and mountainous ranges in Wales, across the South Downs in Brighton, into the Peak District in the north of England through the pouring rain and scorching sun, all while carrying a quarter of my weight on my back! I have rarely felt a greater sense of relief than reaching the final destination on the last day of any of my expeditions! 






Next to my degree and graduating from university, receiving this award is probably my greatest achievement. My 6 expeditions have been mentally and physically exhausting and I am quite glad they are behind me! Even though completing it took a long time (almost 8 years!), I have had some great memories doing this award. 

To everyone who has finished their Bronze, Silver or Gold expeditions (or all three!), congratulations on receiving such a prestigious award! And to anyone who is thinking of participating in the award, it is so worth it, and being invited to Buckingham Palace at the end is pretty cool! 

Thank you for reading! 

B x 
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7 comments

  1. Such an amazing achievement! Congrats girl x

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  2. Fantastic accomplishment. You are one strong gal! X

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    1. Thank you so much! It was very difficult, but I'm glad I got there! x

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  3. Thanks for sharing this. My son has idiopathic scoliosis and is currently going after his DofE bronze award. I'd love to hear more about how you dealt with the expedition. We're concerned about him being able to carry a pack over the course of 2 days of six hours of walking. Can you share any specific things you did that helped you do these expeditions?

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