My Diamond DofE journey is still going strong and have managed to pack in a busy schedule for the month of June and July.
Before I embarked on the most awesome and exhilarating Tall Ship voyage aboard the Lord Nelson in June I also undertook a cycle around Millport. This was a remarkable achievement as I rarely cycle in my local area due to my profound deafness.
The voyage was from Greenock to Greenock for five days! We sailed to Islay, Carskiey and Loch Striven. This voyage was a challenge as we had challenging weather to contend with, snow, winds, rain, sunshine. It was a perfect opportunity to highlight the work of the Duke of Edinburgh Diamond Award as it celebrates its 60th Anniversary.
One of many highlights of the voyage is when I had the opportunity to climb the rigging. I became quite overwhelmed with emotions. It was the combination of the weather, the health and safety and the ability to climb the rigging during the torrential rain. When I finally reached the platform, the sense of achievement was surreal that I had climbed the rigging during the cold weather. I was so exposed to the rain and winds when I was high up. You can read more about my experiences in the log available to read.
In July, I was also on hand to celebrate and highlight the achievements of over 1000 Gold Award holders at Holyrood Palace.
In the meantime, I am looking forward to teaming with former Scottish Rugby Internationalist, Al Kellock in August to do a short sponsored walk with Rab Bell who will be supporting me along the way. Hope the weather is kind to us!
You can also read about how my DofE has change my life and to where I am now via the Daily Record.
http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/lifestyle/health-fitness/disabled-adventurer-pushes-herself-limit-8344093#ICID=sharebar_facebook#hWRLAC82wJwkHWFg.97
The Duke of Edinburgh Award does change a young person’s lives as I have seen the bestowed effect that it has on my life so I urge you to pledge to make a donation to enable DofE Scotland to make a difference to other young people life and to allow many more to do the Award in the year of its 60th Anniversary.
Julie McElroy 