Dipesh P, who left Colyton Grammar School last year, has been presented with his Gold Duke of Edinburgh award.  

In an event held at Buckingham Palace, Dipesh took to the Palace’s West Terrace to share his Duke of Edinburgh story with around 2,000 other young Award holders. The Duke of Edinburgh and journalist and broadcaster Clive Myrie also gave speeches on the day.  

Dipesh talked about how taking part in DofE helped him to overcome his shyness and gave him the confidence to try new things.  He said ‘In Year 9, I didn’t want to talk to anyone outside of my friendship group. But DofE made me do it, multiple times, and each time talking to new people and making friends, became easier and more enjoyable… Before DofE, I hated doing sports. But knowing I had to do the Physical section, I signed up for various activities including shotput, judo and even rugby. Was I good? No. Did I enjoy it? Actually… Yeah! DofE made me realise that it doesn’t matter if you’re good at something or not, you can enjoy sports for the social aspect. I made lots of new friends, and it led to new skills and hobbies that I never would have tried without DofE’  

In order to achieve a Gold Duke of Edinburgh award, young people spend at least 12 months improving a physical activity, honing new skills, planning and completing an expedition and residential, and volunteering for a cause that they are passionate about.  

In his speech, Dipesh also reflected on some of his proudest moments, including completing the Ten Tors, walking 50 miles in 30 hours on Dartmoor, and taking part in his Gold Exhibition. He said ‘For me, the DofE was an award that, through five years, three levels and one global pandemic, transformed me from a shy, purely academic child into someone who loves socialising, spending time outdoors and just being with other people. Someone who loves life outside of the classroom, as well as within it. To put a DofE spin on JFK’s famous words: ‘We choose to wander up hills in North Yorkshire, not because it is easy, but because it is hard’”  

The event at the palace took part over two days in May as part of four special festival themed events. The young awardees, having displayed perseverance, creativity and resilience were part of more than 8000 recipients from schools, community organisations, youth groups and workplaces across the UK.  

Clive Myrie, holder of a Bronze DofE award, also delivered a speech. He said ‘I camped out in the hills of Calderdale, above Todmorden, in West Yorkshire, cooking sausages on a little camping stove, navigating by map and compass, and sleeping under the stars’  

Chief executive officer of The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, Ruth Marvel, said ‘The young people here today have achieved something exceptional, and it is wonderful to see them celebrating together, sharing their experiences and hearing their aspirations for the future’.