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younger people into the sector. The property sector is working hard to
diversify its workforce, with many companies launching apprenticeship schemes, opening up the industry to a new spectrum of potential employees. Prince Edward said the DofE award could provide exactly those types of people. “What we are really doing is developing
character,”he said. “We are developing the personality traits that enable a young person to change from being just a young person to being a person with passion. A person with belief in their own abilities, and drive and determination.” He went on to thank the real estate
industry for its generosity to the charity. More than 250,000 young people around
the world achieved a DofE award last year and the charity has a goal to take that figure to 500,000. l The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is MIPIM UK’s charity of choice this year. At the lunch yesterday the total raised for the charity passed £75,000 as occupiers and investors added their support following EG deputy editor Samantha McClary’s gruelling 15-day, 1,100-mile run and cycle challenge in aid of the DofE. If you would like to help boost those numbers further visit www.
virginmoneygiving.com/1100miles1nutter
Spencer Aston, DofE Gold Award Spencer Aston was at one of the top academic schools in the country, he was captain of the Kent under-16s rugby team, a drummer in a popular local band and at the age of 14 had completed his Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award. Things were great. Then, while planning the expedition for his Silver Award everything changed. Aston was involved in a serious road crash and was left in a coma with severe brain injuries, fighting for his life. This is his story. “I gradually recovered but was left with disabilities that were life changing. I spent nine months in rehabilitation, learning to eat, drink, walk and talk again. As you can imagine, I was at a very low point in my life and I couldn’t see a future
that would include any physical activities, let alone continuing with my Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. I was encouraged to contact a DofE centre that helps young people with disabilities
to achieve their award. At this time I was trying hard to come to terms with my disabilities and was not keen to be included in a disabled group. After speaking to the group leader, I decided to go on the expedition the centre was overseeing. The expedition was a success and made me feel normal again. The downside was that I wrecked the wheelchair I had borrowed from my nan. But meeting other young people of all abilities and different backgrounds gave me
a new and broader perspective. I think it is one of the most valuable strengths of the award. For the skill section of my Gold Award, I decided to pursue my interest in
photography as I could use it as an aid to my memory. I used the physical section to help me gain the strength I needed for my physiotherapy. For the volunteering section, I read to small children in a crèche. This improved my speech and intonation. I now give talks to new doctors, professionals, companies and other organisations,
to promote an understanding of brain injury and to inspire others to overcome difficulties. The award for me has proved to be more than a cold wet walk in the countryside.
To me it has been a life-enhancing experience that has taken tenacity, endurance and courage.”
VISIT US AT STAND J13 AT OLYMPIA, KEEP UP WITH THE LATEST NEWS AT
WWW.ESTATESGAZETTE.COM/MIPIM/AND FOLLOW USONTWITTER @ESTATESGAZETTE
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