Royal presentation for golden winner Emily
A CADET has collected a top adventure award in a special presentation at Buckingham Palace.
Emily Bethell of 236 Bollington Squadron Air Training Corps won the gold Duke of Edinburgh award.
This is the highest honour in the Duke of Edinburgh series of awards which celebrate commitment by young people to volunteering, improving a variety of skills, taking part in expeditions and participating in sport.
Emily, cadet warrant officer at the squadron, won the gold after 12 months of volunteering, a four day expedition and a residential staying away from home with people she did not know.
She has now attended a Duke of Edinburgh’s Award presentation ceremony at Buckingham Palace and received her award in the presence of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh and TRH The Earl and Countess of Wessex.
The Canadian Astronaut, Chris Hadfield, presented Emily with her certificate.
She said: “I was like a giddy child when I received the save the date email from the DofE team, even more so when I found out the presentation would be taking place in the presence of three members of the Royal Family! After two years of blood sweat and tears, it was the most incredible feeling walking through the north gate of the palace.
“I was lucky enough to talk to the Duke of Edinburgh about my duties with the Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire. He said that I must have to be ‘scrubbed up on a regular basis’ in my capacity as the Lord Lieutenant’s cadet.
“It was a very surreal and exciting experience.”
Nicky Loveday, the honorary president, said: “Achieving a Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award is a really big deal.
“It shows that the individual has the skills, determination and emotional intelligence to really succeed. The award highlights the time and commitment that she has put in to complete this stage but also in previous years to attain her bronze and silver awards.
“Emily spent 12 months volunteering and undertook a four day expedition as well as successfully completing a residential activity - staying away from home for five days with people she didn’t know.
“Congratulations Emily - we are so proud of you.”
It’s been a busy year for Emily, whose dad is Flight Lieutenant Alan Bethell and Officer Commanding for the 236 Bollington Squadron ATC, who has been carrying out official duties as the Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire’s Cadet, helping Lord Lieutenant David Briggs with various duties.