'Inspirational' student wins DofE Trailblazer prize

A student who has coped with complex speech and language difficulties has won a Trailblazer of the Year award for being an inspirational leader.

Harry Jones, 18, from Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire, travelled to Buckingham Palace to meet Prince Edward and accept the The Duke of Edinburgh's Award (DofE) This is Youth prize.

After completing his Bronze, Silver and Gold DofE awards, he became a young leader, and motived more groups to complete their top award, with some saying they could not have done it without his support.

He said taking part in the scheme has changed him for the better, and he is now more "steadfast, confident and open".

Harry started his first DofE Bronze award at the age of 14 while at Chiltern Way Academy – a special educational needs school near Aylesbury.

It involved taking part in expeditions, volunteering at a primary school and taking part in litter picks.

He said he struggled with his speaking and listening abilities but credited the awards scheme for his improvement.

"I'm more decisive in my decision making, I'm more bolder in the challenges I want to undertake and I think I'm far more sociable," he said.

"I've become more steadfast - when I come to a decision that I think is right, I will stand by it, I've become more confident, I've become more willing to do new things and I have become more open."

This is Youth Trailblazer of the Year judge, Jason Fox, a former Royal Marine Commando and star of SAS: Who Dares Wins, said Harry's "remarkable strength and perseverance" stood out.

"Harry went from being a very shy young lad who felt uncomfortable interacting with his fellow pupils, to being an inspirational leader, selfless in supporting them to overcome their own challenges," he said.

Matt Rush, DofE leader at Chiltern Way Academy, said: "Harry leads by example and has an excellent calming manner."

He would "do anything to help others, even if it's uncomfortable for himself", he added.

"Harry has his own complex needs and finds social situations challenging, but it shows just how much the DofE has helped him."

Harry has since left school and is studying a two-year course in public services at the Buckinghamshire College Group's Aylesbury campus and hopes to work in the uniformed services like the fire or ambulance service.

Harry's advice to other young people wanting to take part in the scheme is: "Your limit and your line is wherever you set it.

"Go as far as you think you can go and push, you can go further if you have the right group and the right mindset."

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