Nikki Street, 19, from Wilmslow was one of 1,000 young people from across the UK invited to celebrate the Diamond Anniversary of The Duke of Edinburgh's Award (DofE) and attend a very special Gold Award Presentation at Buckingham Palace on Monday, 16th May.
The DofE is celebrating its Diamond Anniversary throughout 2016, having supported millions of young people to achieve DofE Awards since it was founded in 1956. The Gold Award Presentation at Buckingham Palace is one of many memorable events taking place to celebrate 60 years of the Charity.
Members of the Royal Family; HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, HRH The Earl of Wessex and HRH The Countess of Wessex, congratulated those that were present including young Gold Award achievers, organisations that deliver the DofE and special guests such as corporate supporters and DofE Diamond Challengers, who have set themselves a personal challenge to raise money for the DofE Charity in its anniversary year.
Nikki, who volunteers with 1st Dean Row Brownies, selected personal challenges including volunteering, social action, developing new skills and travelling to a new place.
Nikki took 12 months to complete the Gold DofE Award which involved volunteering with both a Rainbow and Brownie Unit, developing her skills in cookery and photography, as well as taking part in a week-long residential event.
Speaking about her experience of the DofE, and the excitement of being part of the Buckingham Palace event, Nikki said: "DofE has improved my confidence in myself, and made me realise if I truly want to do something, I can. I was pushed to my limit on the expedition at times, but that has made completing the award feel more rewarding."
Mel Price, Assistant Region Chief Commissioner for Girlguiding North West England said "It's great to see so many of our young Girlguiding members completing their DofE Awards. I'm proud of these inspirational young women, who have set themselves incredible challenges and take positive action in their communities. They are our next inspiring female role models who have proved they are a force for good."
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