A teenager from East Devon received a Gold Award at the Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards.
Dipesh Purandare, 19, from Colyford, took centre stage at Buckingham Palace Garden, addressing a crowd of 2,000 fellow Duke of Edinburgh's Award (DofE) gold achievers.
Dipesh delivered his inspiring story alongside His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh and journalist and broadcaster Clive Myrie.
He said: "In year nine, 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 really 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.”
These celebrations took place over two days on May 10 and 13 as part of four special festival-themed events.
The young awardees, having displayed perseverance, creativity and resilience, were part of more than 8,000 recipients from schools, community organisations, youth groups and workplaces across the UK.
Dipesh completed the Ten Tors – walking 50 miles in 30 hours on Dartmoor – and took part in his Gold Expedition.
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."
Mr Myrie, a Bronze DofE Award holder, also delivered an inspiring 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."
Ruth Marvel, chief executive officer of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, 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."
To achieve a Gold DofE 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 they are passionate about.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here