1,000 people walked for The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) at the second ever DofE Adventure in the Cotswolds on 15 and 16 September 2018.

Reflecting the ‘spirit’ of the DofE, the DofE Adventure consisted of a 30km hike on the Saturday and 20km hike on the Sunday, either following a signposted route or self-navigating. DofE Adventure allowed adults to experience - or re-live - their own memories of a DofE Expedition. The main purpose to promote a greater understanding of what DofE participants achieve on an expedition; and reflect DofE values of pushing yourself out of your comfort zone, instilling resilience and confidence.

1,000 hikers took part in the DofE Adventure, each committing to raise at least £150 sponsorship to support the charity.

Funds raised will give even more young people the chance to start a DofE programme, building their confidence and resilience to navigate life’s challenges.

Strategic partner of the DofE, Amey supported the mass participation event with 84 Amey Adventurers and Amey’s Gloucestershire Contract Team donated the DofE Adventure Support Team with further logistics equipment such as vans, hire cars, and generators.

The funds raised will enable even more young people to start their DofE, giving them the tools to fulfil their potential and lead happier, healthier lives. Just £60 could help a young person facing financial hardship access kit, transport or materials to do their DofE. £100 could fund a frontline team member for a day – each team member positively impacts thousands of young lives each year – and £250 could fund the training of an expedition volunteer, meaning young people can safely enjoy great outdoors experiences together.

Paul Anderson, Account Director at Amey, said: “I am delighted that along with our supply chain partner HSS, we were able to support the DofE Adventure with materials, plant and vehicles. As one of our strategic charity partners the DofE has a special place in the hearts of many of our employees and with so many of them taking part in the event we were only too pleased to get involved and support this fantastic initiative.”

Jenni Anderson, Director of Fundraising at the DofE, said “Amey colleagues have been incredibly supportive of our aim to bring the DofE to many more young people. A huge thank you to the team of Adventurers who are pushing themselves outside of their comfort zones and raising funds for our charity. Their support extends beyond hiking 50km this weekend with the Amey Gloucestershire team providing logistical support for our challenge to take place.”

The 15-year partnership developed between Amey and the DofE aims to give all young people, and especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds a fun - yet challenging - Award which helps them develop commitment, confidence, pride and tenacity – along with friendships and skills for work and life.