'Duke of Edinburgh's Award has shown me I can do anything'

A young woman with autism and cerebral palsy has praised the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award for giving her an “amazing sense of achievement”.

Kayleigh Ptak, from Perthshire, told STV News that Prince Philip’s youth awards programme has given her more independence and confidence.

The 19-year-old, who has attained a silver award, said: “It’s shown me that I can do anything, because I never thought Duke of Edinburgh was something I would be able to do and it has shown me that anything is possible.

“It’s given me more independence and confidence, and it’s just given me more motivation and it’s given me an amazing sense of achievement.

“And I hope, in the future, if I continue with DofE to inspire others to take part if they get the opportunities I have, because it’s just something that I am so passionate about.”

Royal: Prince Philip's funeral will take place on Saturday. — Royal: Prince Philip’s funeral will take place on Saturday. Getty Images

Prince Phillip, Queen Elizabeth II’s husband, passed away on April 9 at Windsor Castle.

The Duke and the Queen were married for more than 70 years and Philip dedicated decades of his life to royal duty, serving the nation at the monarch’s side.

The 99-year-old, who’s funeral takes place on Saturday, established the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award in 1956.

The awards programme – which operates in more than 140 countries – aims to inspire and transform the lives of young people through volunteering, physical activities and expeditions.

Kayleigh added: “It came along at a time where I didn’t really know what I was doing. So, I don’t think if I had DofE in my life when it first arrived, I don’t know what I would be doing.

“I’ve met a great bunch of people who, although we all have different needs and abilities, we all support each other and look out for each other when we need it, and we just get on so well as a team.”