The Peak District - A Right Royal Challenge
The UK consistently attracts impressive numbers of tourists, both international and domestic on an annual basis. We may be renowned for unreliable weather, but what we lack in Mediterranean climate, we significantly make up for in exquisite national parks and local attractions. One of the highlights of Britain's offerings is the Peak District and the area played host to HRH, the Earl of Wessex, Prince Edward, last week to toast 60 years of the Duke of Edinburgh Award. Prince Edward joined DofE participants in a hill walk between Edale and Hayfield, an eight mile trek that boasts some of the area’s most stunning scenery.
Joined by local organisation representatives and youngster from the area, the prince discussed his role as a Duke of Edinburgh Award trustee and gold award holder, inevitably inspiring the younger walkers as they progressed. Millions of young Brits have embraced the opportunity to participate in the DofE awards over the previous 60 years and the scheme is credited for transforming lives and introducing hundreds of thousands of children to new opportunities. The awards marry the nation’s pride in our stunning natural scenery and countryside with our younger generation and their potential.
Encouraging adolescents to strive towards an achievement outside of academia, whilst promoting the beauty, fun and adventure of Great Britain’s rural outdoors has seen hoards of people keen to celebrate the Dof E Diamond anniversary. By way of encouraging and encompassing the supporters of all ages of the DofE, the charity established a special award to coincide with the important anniversary. Irrespective of age, the DofE Diamond Challenge, encourages participants to participate in order to achieve a limited edition Diamond challenge pin. With that in mind, the Peak District is set to host even higher numbers of participants this year, to add to the 25,000 annual entrants in a normal year. The Earl of Wessex is supporting the additional interest and encouraging the continued efforts of participants and local volunteers by touring the UK and visiting DofE sites to celebrate the anniversary. It is hoped that the successes of the charity and challenges continue and grow and that the Diamond Anniversary along with the DofE Diamond Challenge encourage additional support and fundraising capabilities for the charity.
This will allow national youngsters to continue to actively seek out their own potential, challenge their boundaries and establish a cemented interest in the natural beauty of the UK.