Famous faces share their DofE Award memories in celebration of their 70th anniversary
Anyone with a connection to The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is being invited to celebrate the charity's 70th anniversary by sharing their fondest DofE memories.
Article Source: Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
Last Updated: 5 January 2026 11:19
Anyone with a connection to The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) is being invited to celebrate the charity’s 70th anniversary by joining the likes of Hayley McQueen and Dame Kelly Holmes in sharing their fondest DofE memories at DofE.org/your-story.
Through these shared experiences, the DofE charity is celebrating the millions of remarkable young people who have transformed their lives and the communities around them through DofE, and the hundreds of thousands of volunteers who make DofE experiences possible — whilst inspiring other young people to start a DofE journey of their own.
Since its conception in 1956, the DofE reaches 15.5 million young people globally1, with over 8.5 million young people having started a DofE Award in the UK – enough people to fill Scotland’s Murrayfield Stadium 127 times. In 2024/25, 33,816 young people actively took part in the DofE in Scotland, with 20,363 young people starting their DofE. Participants contributed an incredible 351,156 hours of volunteering in Scotland – with an estimated total value of £2.2 million.
TV sports presenter and Bronze DofE Award holder, Hayley McQueen, who has already shared her memory on the charity’s new website, fondly reminisces about how her DofE experience set her up for challenges ahead. Hayley said: “Doing my DofE at St Columba’s school in Kilmacolm, Scotland, remains one of the most memorable experiences of my teenage years. I can still picture myself trudging through the Scottish countryside with plenty of tablet to hand, carrying a heavy rucksack and feeling both tired and exhilarated. There was of course unpredictable weather, including a lot of rain and those dreaded midgies. But what made the experience so special was the team spirit we developed along the way.
“In the middle of my school years, I moved to England. It came at an awkward age and fitting into a new environment was daunting. But my DofE experience had prepared me for the challenge. I had learned resilience from long days of hiking, when things didn’t go to plan but we carried on anyway. I had learned the value of relying on others, and of allowing them to rely on me. Most importantly, I had discovered that I could push myself into unfamiliar situations and not only cope, but thrive. DofE was a turning point in building my independence and shaping how I approached challenges in life. I’m grateful for the skills I learned, and the resilience and confidence it gave me.”
As a lifelong advocate for young people, HRH Prince Philip established The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award in 1956 for the “balanced development” of young people’s character. The DofE charity has been equipping and empowering millions of young people from all communities to build the skills, confidence, and resilience they need to make the most out of life, ever since.
Razan Al Zain, a 17-year-old student at Kemnay Academy, Aberdeenshire, took on her Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Award just over a year ago. After arriving in Scotland from Syria in 2018, Razan wanted to challenge herself and grow in confidence. Razan said: “DofE helped me to try new things and take myself out of my comfort zone. Volunteering at Barnardo’s in Inverurie every Saturday gave me a taste of working life and helped me meet new people. For my Skills section I wanted to explore my Syrian heritage by cooking traditional Syrian dishes – sharing these with friends made me really happy. I learned to stay focused by taking things step by step during my expedition in Fochabers. Teamwork made the journey easier and more enjoyable. You achieve more than just walking – you grow, help others, and learn new skills.”
Over the last 70 years:
• Over 8,539,000 young people have started a DofE Award in the UK — that’s enough people to fill Scotland’s Murrayfield Stadium 127 times2.
• Globally, the DofE reaches 15.5 million young people across 139 countries and territories, with 1.2million 14–24-year-olds actively participating in the last year alone.
• Over 2,537,000 young people in the UK have achieved a Bronze Award, over 886,000 Silver, and over 353,000 Gold DofE Award since 19562.
• After the first year, 7,000 boys had started a DofE programme and 1,000 Awards had been achieved. Jump to the year 2024-25 and more than 342,000 young people started their DofE with 166,592 Award levels being achieved.
• Driving and maintenance of cars, bicycles and scooters, dress making and rifle shooting, were the most popular activities in the 1960s3 with cooking, playing a musical instrument and learning a language being the most popular today — skills that continue to set young people up for life and work.
In celebration of its 70th year, the DofE charity has today released never-before-seen items from its archive, including HRH Prince Philip’s annotated draft speech for his segment in ‘The Way Ahead’ — the first DofE promotional film, released in 1958. Prince Philip highlights how the pilot “scheme” for boys is designed “to show how you can spend your leisure time, how you can help your fellow citizens and above all, what you can achieve if you set your mind to it5.
John Green, 85, from London, who was one of the first boys to achieve his DofE, took part in the late Prince Philip’s pilot DofE programme in the 1950s and was among the first boys to receive their Gold Award from HRH Prince Philip at Buckingham Palace on 4th June 1958; a handwritten letter to Lieutenant-General Sir Frederick ‘Boy’ Browning, Treasurer to HRH Prince Philip, from Sir John Hunt – the Award’s first Director – about receiving the first Gold Award holders at Buckingham Palace, has also been released by the DofE charity today.
John, who grew up in Silvertown and now lives near Southbank, was introduced to the DofE at Fairbairn House Boys Club, where he went to box. Going straight to his Silver DofE where he did photography, first aid, and athletics for his sectional activities, and explored the South Downs for his expedition, he saw it as an opportunity to escape post war East London and to build a better life for himself.
Sharing his story to mark the charity’s 70th year, John said: “It was important to do The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award because it gave young people like myself the opportunity to do something that we weren't encouraged to do at home or school. No one can imagine what life was like then. Thanks to The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, I turned out okay and didn’t do too badly; it was all down to that.”
John went on to achieve his Gold Award, continuing with the same sectional activities but doing his expedition on the Brecon Beacons and had the pleasure of meeting HRH Prince Philip alongside Sir John Hunt during a practice expedition. Commenting on his expedition experiences, John said: “For many months we used to go to the Brecon Beacons. Twice Prince Philip and Sir John Hunt came out which was amazing. They were both such great guys. They were lovely. They asked us if we were finding it difficult and they were just so very encouraging. At the time I couldn’t believe we were standing there, you know, talking to Prince Philip.”
Paralympic icon and DofE Chair of Trustees, Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson DBE - whose daughter, Carys, achieved her Gold Award last year, said: “In seven decades of the DofE charity, we’ve learnt that there’s no limit to what young people can achieve when they are given the right opportunities; even when external circumstances are tough. Our Founder HRH Prince Philip once said, ‘There is more in you than you might think’ and the DofE helps young people realise this. As we celebrate 70 years of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, we’re recognising DofE participants past and present, and the incredible volunteers who make their journey possible — we’d love anyone with a connection to the charity to celebrate with us by sharing their memories on DofE.org.”
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award charity is as committed now as it was 70 years ago to supporting young people’s development. Tanni continues: “This anniversary isn’t just about reminiscing; it’s a chance to look ahead. With the disruption of the last few years hugely impacting young people’s mental health, education and job opportunities, going forward, we will continue to strengthen community connections, build essential skills that set young people up for life and work — and in partnership with our incredible supporters and fundraisers, we’ll work even harder to ensure every young person who wants to, can take part in a life-changing DofE experience.”
The DofE charity reaches over 570,000 young people each year in the UK, through a broad and dedicated community of volunteers and partner organisations, including schools, youth groups, colleges, businesses, young offender institutions, hospitals, fostering agencies and more.
Celebrate the DofE charity’s 70th anniversary by sharing a DofE story at www.DofE.org/your-story, taking on a fundraising challenge, or by doing the DofE.
Sponsored Links
Latest Glasgow News
Glasgow 2026 appoints National Lottery operator Allwyn as Official Volunteer Learning and Development Partner
Allwyn UK, operator of The National Lottery, has been named as the Official Volunteer Learning and Development Partner for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.
READ MORE
Full programme announced for Glasgow Film Festival 2026
The 22nd edition of Scotland's largest film festival will showcase 126 films from 44 countries, with 16 World, European, and International premieres, 68 UK premieres and 18 Scottish premieres.
READ MORE
The Superlative Collection launches Wellness Month, including a guided stretching session with the Glasgow Warriors
The Superlative Collection is launching its inaugural Wellness Month in Glasgow's Princes Square shopping mall, with a series of events to start 2026 the right way.
READ MORE
Hidden coins found in The Tall Ship Glenlee as the huge masts start their journey down south tomorrow
Placing coins under the main mast before stepping, or lifting the masts, is an ancient tradition thought to bring good luck to the ship.
READ MORE
Celtic Connections celebrates a picture perfect opening weekend
Performers have wowed tens of thousands of fans across more than 80 gigs and events during the first celebratory weekend of Celtic Connections that fused international music, dance and friendship.
READ MORE
Glasgow Science Centre celebrates 25 Years with Science Late: Timewarp
As part of its year-long 25th anniversary celebrations, tickets are now available for Glasgow Science Centre's unforgettable adult-only Science Lates: Timewarp event on Friday 13 March.
READ MORE
Five unique Valentine experiences to enjoy across Scotland
With Valentine's Day falling on a Saturday this year, couples have the perfect excuse to celebrate with experiences rather than traditional gifts.
READ MORE
Celtic Connections: BEATrio to play much anticipated Glasgow show
BEATrio will play a much-anticipated show on January 31st in Glasgow's Pavillion Theatre, during the famed Celtic Connections Festival.
READ MORE
DF Concerts summer events generate 164.5million for Scottish economy
DF Concerts has today announced that its programme of summer 2025 live music events generated £164.6 million in total economic impact for Scotland.
READ MORE
The Glencairn Glass Crime Short Story Competition returns
The official glass for whisky, the Glencairn Glass, is once again raising a toast to crime fiction with the return of its popular annual Crime Short Story Competition.
READ MORE
Over half of British holidaymakers to opt for touring holiday over flights abroad in 2026
Survey of 2,000 UK holidaymakers commissioned by Scotland's largest touring and holiday home show reveals shift in UK's holiday of choice.
READ MORE
Silverburn sets new fundraising record
Silverburn, has shown the power of its community spirit after raising an incredible £111,306 for its long-standing charity partner, Glasgow Children's Hospital Charity.
READ MORE
Kochchi Glasgow announces official opening date and debuts Sri Lankan inspired menu
Kochchi Glasgow, the highly anticipated new Sri Lankan dining destination, has officially announced its opening date as Thursday 29th January.
READ MORE
Adoption event offers residents in Greater Glasgow the chance to change a life
A series of relaxed, no commitment, information events are being held by Kibble, a national children’s charity, for individuals and couples keen to explore adoption.
READ MORE
Tour de France unveils route for Scottish stage
The official route of the opening stage of the Tour de France in 2027, known as the Grand Depart, has been revealed with the event starting in Edinburgh on Friday 2nd July.
READ MORE
The Choir of Man announces cast and launches search for local choir ahead of Scottish Premiere in Glasgow
The Olivier Award-nominated smash hit musical The Choir of Man is coming to Glasgow, featuring an exciting new imitative that invites local choirs to join the cast on stage!
READ MORE
World Party: Celtic Connections lights up winter as global festival begins
Glasgow bursts into life today welcoming the world to the biggest traditional winter music festival on the planet - as Celtic Connections kicks off 18 days of music, culture and celebration!
READ MORE
The best of British theatre takes centre stage at Vue
There's lots for theatre lovers to be excited about at Vue, with several productions taking over the big screen in the coming months.
READ MORE
BFFs over Boyfriends: Flight Club is the ultimate Galentines therapy
Flight Club is calling all those focusing on friends this Valentine's to round up their gang of guys or girls and celebrate platonic love with its Galentine's Brunch.
READ MORE
Chesney Hawkes announces Glasgow date for March
'The One and Only', Chesney Hawkes will bring his 'Smash It To Pieces' tour to Oran Mor Glasgow on Sunday 8th March!
READ MORE
The Cool Hand Cup is back!
Marston's is calling on punters to step up to the oche in over 500 pubs, to be in with the chance of winning £10,000 and a game of 501 darts against champion Luke Humphries!
READ MORE
Viral Buckie Bomb beer returns after trending on Reddit across Scotland and Ireland
A cult Buckfast-inspired beer is making a comeback this January after fans demanded its return across Reddit.
READ MORE
Dobbies hosts free Little Seedlings Club this February
Children will learn what compost is, the difference between green and brown waste, and what can and can't be composted at February's Little Seedlings Club from Dobbies'!
READ MORE
One ticket to rule them all!
On Saturday 17th January, Showcase Cinemas is screening all three extended films back-to-back, Fellowship, Two Towers and Return of the King, with one ticket covering the full trilogy!
READ MORE
Escalation of George Square redesign fires starting pistol on year of transformation
A new phase in the restoration of George Square will kick off a big year in the continuing transformation of Glasgow city centre.
READ MORE
World Gaelic Week grows as 2026 programme launched
Seachdain na Gàidhlig (World Gaelic Week) is set to grow for the fifth consecutive year as it launches its funded programme of events.
READ MORE
FrightFest announces 2026 Glasgow Film Festival line up
It's full scream ahead as FrightFest, the UK;s No.1 horror & fantasy film event, presents three days of trauma, terror and tantalising thrills as part of Glasgow Film Festival 2026!
READ MORE
The Tall Ship Glenlee waves a temporary goodbye to her masts for the first time in three decades
For the first time in 30 years, the floating museum's famous masts are being removed for essential conservation work.
READ MORE
Five March and Bruichladdie set to host Burns feast
Iconic Glasgow West End restaurant Five March will celebrate the Bard with a four-course Burns feast on Sunday 25 January.
READ MORE
Glasgow Libraries launch Wintering Well boxes to tackle SAD this winter
Glasgow Life Libraries is launching a wellbeing initiative encouraging people in Glasgow to borrow a Wintering Well Box from their local library.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links