Students receive Duke of Edinburgh award at Buckingham Palace

Four former and current National Star students were guests at Buckingham Palace to receive their Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s award.

Together they have completed 200 hours of volunteering in the community, from weekly litter picks to helping protect wildlife in Gloucestershire.

Only 8.2 per cent of DofE participants have a disability or additional need and the National Star students are among only 8,000 people nationally who achieve the Gold award each year.

Current student Joe Fielding and former student Alisha Tahir spent their five-day residential project volunteering with Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust at Crickley Hill Country Park.

GWT’s Land Manager Dan Winter said:  “Students from the National Star did some amazing work at Crickley Hill nature reserve, creating accessible routes through Short Wood. They used logs to edge the footpath, protecting the woodland from erosion and creating easy to follow paths, even for those with visual impairments. They also rebuilt an old dry-stone wall, a highly skilled task.

“Everyone at Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust is very grateful to the National Star students for volunteering their time and putting in so much hard work!”

For Joe, aged 24, who attended the ceremony with his parents, the highlight was visiting Buckingham Palace and seeing HRH The Duke of Edinburgh.

Former students Katie Lloyd and Justin Bird visited country parks and places of interest to review accessibility.

Justin, aged 25, who attended with his dad and twin brother, said: “It was a great day.  We listened to the speeches, toured the garden, enjoyed the tea and cakes and met the Duke of Edinburgh.”

“I loved meeting the prince,” said Katie, aged 26. “I liked going to the lake and having a walk around and they had pretty flowers and trees in the Palace Garden.”

Alisha, aged 22, also took part in weekly litter picks in her hometown of Hereford and volunteered at a National Star charity shop. She said it was good to meet the Duke of Edinburgh and she enjoyed the day with her mum.

Lynette Barrett, Chief Executive Officer at National Star said: “Students taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh’s scheme make a huge contribution to their community. They should be proud of this incredible achievement.

“Resources for extra-curricular activities like the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme are only possible with the help of National Star donors and supporters.”

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme is an enrichment activity that National Star offers to as many students as possible in Ullenwood and Hereford depending upon their timetable commitments. Students can apply to join the scheme throughout their time at National Star.