A trainee doctor spent an afternoon at Buckingham Palace as he was formally presented with his Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.
22-year-old Nathan Scott, first year medical student at the University of Worcester, received his Award from His Royal Highness Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh himself.
Recipients of the Gold Award must have completed 12 months of volunteering, spent months developing a skill and improving their physical fitness, undertaken a multi-day expedition and take part in a 5-day residential experience with people they’ve never met before.
Nathan said: “I began the DofE Bronze Award when I was 12, and I had to take a break from the Gold Award because of the pandemic, so I’ve been on this journey for ten years.”
As part of the Award, Nathan worked on inland waterways, helped a band record music, and even volunteered in a hospital on a trauma ward.
He said: “The volunteering was really good. I go to hospitals for my placements as part of my degree in Medicine, but this gave me the chance to see the wards as a volunteer, which is a totally different perspective.”
Widely regarded as one of the UK’s most prestigious achievements for young people, the Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is an incredible achievement that reflects a person’s dedication, resilience, and commitment to personal growth.
Nathan said: “It’s great for a person’s CV, but I’m really happy that I decided to complete the Award after I’d already gotten into medical school. I’m proud that I just did it because I really enjoyed doing it.”
He added: “I was really proud to be able to go to Buckingham Palace because it’s a once-in-a-lifetime event, and to be able to say you’ve had afternoon tea at a garden party there is amazing!”
Professor Kay Mohanna, Lead Lecturer in Medicine at the University, said: “We are absolutely delighted to read of Nathan’s success with his Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award.”
She added: “We already know that Nathan is on track to be an excellent doctor, and this achievement shows how lucky we all are to have such a committed and talented person training to be a part of our next generation in the NHS.”
For information on courses at the University of Worcester visit www.worcester.ac.uk or for application enquiries, telephone 01905 855111 or email admissions@worc.ac.uk