A YOUNG woman joined celebrations at Buckingham Palace after receiving the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award.
Anna Murphy, of Brampton, was in London on Monday, May 13, to receive the award.
As part of the celebration event Anna met actor Kiell Smith-Bynoe, star of Taskmaster, Ghosts, and Stath Lets Flats, and Saturday Kitchen presenter and chef 'Matt Tebbutt'.
Attendees had the chance to hear from famous DofE Award holders and other speakers, including broadcasters Vick Hope and Clive Myrie and astronaut Tim Peake.
Anna said: "I had an incredible journey, I pushed myself outside of my comfort zone and I had a great time. I volunteered as an assistant tennis coach and developed my piano-playing and dance skills.
"For my expedition, we walked through the Lake District, in a heatwave, and for my residential, I learned to live off-grid with the Sheiling Project in the Scottish Highlands.
"The hardest part was the expedition because of the heat and the physical demands of the walk.
"The experience taught me valuable lessons in adaptability and perseverance and was a powerful bonding experience for my team.
"All in all, pushing myself out of my comfort zone and overcoming personal challenges has helped my growth and development. I relished the opportunities that this Award offered, and I had a great time."
Founded by His Royal Highness Prince Phillip in 1956, the DofE award is widely recognised as the world’s leading youth achievement award for developing skills for life and work.
It consists of three levels, Bronze, Silver, and Gold. It can take up to two years to complete the Gold Award’s four main sections: volunteering, physical, skills, and an expedition plus a residential.
DofE assessor Sam Jackson from Cumbria Youth Alliance supported her in completing it, he added: "Anna has achieved something of a really high standard, it’s amazing and well deserved.
"We’re here to help young people like Anna, who have started but have not been able to finish the award, as well as those looking to start their award with us."
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