Further success in the Duke of Westminster Awards for ex-4 Company Bedfordshire & Hertfordshire Cadet.
After attending Somerset last month, Elise Packwood has made it into the finals of the Duke of Westminster 2023 run by CVQO. On receiving the news that she had reached the Top 15, Elise said…
‘I am autistic and have hearing loss, and I find it hard to read, write and socialise. I’ve always known bullies that want to remind me I can’t do what they can or have their success & I believed them. I always felt left out, too embarrassed, and lonely.
Further success in the Duke of Westminster Awards for ex-4…
After attending Somerset last month, Elise Packwood has made it into the finals of the Duke of Westminster 2023 run by CVQO. On receiving the news that she had reached the Top 15, Elise said…
When I joined Ampthill Detachment at 16, I had already missed out on so much with them. I wish I had found out about them and joined at 12. It was a place I could just be myself, and I had a chance to learn skills I couldn’t get in school.
Taking on the coursework with CVQO allowed me to get qualifications in subjects that I love and are important to me. The work focuses on practical and physical skills, meaning I get to show what I can do with less boring stuff. In Somerset, Stage 3, the first night was scary; I was nervous. No one knew each other, but as time passed, we all bonded, and I made friends that have become my second family & I know I'll have for life.
I never dreamt I would be going through as a finalist! So bittersweet; I’m heartbroken for some of my amazing friends, many of whom gave me the support I needed to get through and are all more deserving in my eyes.’
The whole county is incredibly proud of Elise’s achievements. We wish her all the best in the final rounds of the competition taking place this summer. The final stages promise to be a life-changing experience involving working with local and worldwide charities, including an adventurous training experience.
