By Isle of Wight Observer
Two Isle of Wight young people, 18-year-old Ben Holdsworth and 21-year-old Katie MacKenzie, were presented with Gold Duke of Edinburgh Awards at Buckingham Palace gardens.
Ben and Katie were presented their Awards by Charlotte Dujardin CBE. With three gold medals and one silver medal, Charlotte is Great Britain’s most successful Olympic equestrian. In attendance were Prince Michael, Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, and Sophie, Countess of Wessex.
Ben, who is a student at Christ the King College, worked over two years to complete the award through his athletic achievements, learning to drive, coaching and managing the Year 7 boys football team at Christ the King College and going on expeditions to Exmoor and the Lake District.
Ben also spent four weeks working with the National Citizenship service, learnt skills with the UK Sailing Sailing Academy (UKSA), and volunteered for the Ability Dogs 4 Young People charity.
Katie, who is currently a student at the University of Portsmouth, completed most of her award in 2017 at Sandown Bay Academy. She earned her award for fitness, learning navigational skills in the navy and taking part in expeditions to Exmoor and the Lake District
Both young people expressed their thanks to all the volunteers, supervisors, assessors and coaches that assisted them in achieving this prestigious award.
