The Ulysses Trust celebrated 70 years of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award this week.
Cadets and adult volunteers were recognised by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh at a special celebration hosted by The Ulysses Trust at the Royal Geographical Society in London on Wednesday 4 November 2026.
Marking the 70th anniversary of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE), the event celebrated the achievements of young people through adventure and the volunteers who make those opportunities possible. The Duke presented awards recognising three Gold DofE expeditions, two Cadet Forces Adult Volunteers and a Royal Patron Expedition Award.
The celebration was hosted by Ulysses Trust Ambassador Jordan Wylie and highlighted the confidence, leadership, teamwork and resilience developed through challenging expeditions. Over 100 cadets and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers from across the UK + special guests attended this unique event.
At the time of the celebration, the Ulysses Trust had supported 1,123 cadets undertaking DofE activities during 2026, contributing to 345 DofE qualifications.
Three expeditions recognised
The expedition awards recognised three distinct achievements, rather than first, second and third places or separate categories. Judges considered personal development, the scale of the challenge, the impact on the cadet unit, wider and lasting benefits, and the evidence of achievement.
Trent Wing, RAF Air Cadets: Gold DofE expedition to the Dolomites
A five-year ambition became a reality for cadets trekking through the Dolomites, covering 70 to 80 kilometres and reaching altitudes of up to 2,500 metres. The expedition combined demanding mountain terrain with exploration of a landscape shaped by the First World War.
Twenty-eight cadets achieved their Gold Award, developing confidence, leadership, communication and self-reliance while working together in a challenging environment.
Scotland and Northern Ireland Region, RAF Air Cadets: offshore sailing aboard Alba Venturer
Ten cadets spent ten days exploring Scotland’s west coast aboard the 70-foot sailing vessel Alba Venturer, including eight days without entering harbour. Most had little or no sailing experience, and some had met their fellow crew members only virtually before the expedition.
The cadets developed skills in seamanship, planning, navigation and sailing while learning to live and work together in a confined space. All ten completed their Gold DofE expedition and achieved the RYA Competent Crew qualification.
Winchester Sea Cadet Corps: cadet-led sailing aboard Boleh
Five cadets took responsibility for planning, navigation, sailing, provisioning, cooking and the day-to-day running of Boleh during their Gold DofE offshore sailing expedition.
The expedition was planned and led by a cadet who had gained his RYA Day Skipper qualification before taking on the skipper’s role. The team assessed risks, made decisions and adapted to changing conditions, with all five completing their Gold DofE expedition.
Special Awards for Adult Volunteers
Two Cadet Forces Adult Volunteers received special awards recognising their contribution to making DofE opportunities available to young people.
Flight Lieutenant Dave Hill, RAF Air Cadets
Flight Lieutenant Dave Hill was recognised for a commitment to cadets spanning three decades. Having joined the Air Cadets at the age of 13, he has led 20 overseas expeditions, alongside numerous expeditions in the UK, supporting around 400 Air Cadets in achieving their Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards.
His volunteering is driven by a belief that every young person should have the chance to benefit, regardless of their circumstances.
Major Deborah Major, Army Cadet Force
Major Deborah Major began volunteering with the Sea Cadets in 2009 before joining the Army Cadet Force in 2012. Her work has helped make DofE activities accessible to more cadets, including those who might otherwise miss out.
Her expeditions combine personal challenge with a positive contribution to the local environment and community. The activity has developed into an annual National Army Cadets event, creating an ongoing opportunity for future generations.
Royal Patron Expedition Award
The Ulysses Trust Royal Patron Award (Cadet Category) was presented to Army Cadets participants who took part in Ex: Venturer Bavaria Gold 2025.
The expedition saw 21 Army Cadets complete a self-sufficient Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s (DofE) Award expedition in the Bavarian Alps. Navigating unfamiliar alpine terrain and challenging weather, the cadets demonstrated outstanding independence, resilience and teamwork. All successfully completed their DofE expedition, gaining confidence, developing leadership experience and achieving a memorable overseas adventurous training accomplishment.
The award recognises the dedication, determination and teamwork demonstrated by the cadets and the success of this challenging international expedition. Creating opportunities through adventure
Creating opportunities through adventure
The celebration highlighted the lasting value of expeditions: helping young people build friendships, develop confidence and discover their ability to tackle unfamiliar challenges.
It also recognised the volunteers who plan, teach, encourage and support cadets, and The Ulysses Trust’s work to help ensure that financial circumstances do not prevent young people from accessing these experiences.
Special thanks to Forces Support who sponsored the event. The Royal Geographic Society for hosting the event. All the cadets and CFAVs who travelled from across the to join in the celebrations. Our ambassador, Jordan Wyle for hosting. Ulysses Trust volunteers, supporters and many partners from across the Cadet Forces who also attended. Many thanks to PGreater London RFCA and Stewart Turkington Photography for the fabulous photos.
It was a wonderful event and a great way to celebrate the remarkable achievements of the next generation of explorers.
