My Activity Tracking
85
mi
My target 120 mi
I’m fundraising for The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
I'm taking part in the DofE Do it 4 Youth Step Challenge walking, running or wheeling 120 miles throughout March, raising vital funds for the DofE charity more young people facing financial barriers can access the life-chanding Awards programme and transform their lives. Please support me by sponsoring as much as you can.
My Updates
120 miles
Saturday 21st Feb If you’d told me a few years ago that I’d voluntarily sign up to walk 120 miles… I probably would’ve laughed.Yet here I am.
My name’s Dylan Taylor. I’m 16 years old, and I’ve completed both my Bronze and Silver Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards. Now I’m taking on something bigger — a 120-mile challenge to raise money for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) so more young people can experience what it’s given me.
This isn’t just about miles.
It’s about mindset.
What the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Means to Me
The Duke of Edinburgh's Award
When people hear “DofE,” they usually think of big rucksacks, blisters, and walking through fields in the rain.
And yeah… that’s part of it.
But DofE is way more than that.
It’s:
Learning how to lead when your group is tired.
Navigating when you’re not 100% sure you’re right.
Pushing through when your legs are screaming at you to stop.
Figuring out that you’re capable of more than you thought.
Bronze taught me independence.
Silver tested my resilience.
There were moments on expedition where it would’ve been easier to give up. But DofE doesn’t let you quit on yourself. It builds grit.
And at 16, grit is everything.
Why I’m Taking On 120 Miles
Most people do a sponsored 5K. Maybe 10K if they’re feeling brave.
I picked 120 miles.
Why?
Because DofE pushes young people beyond what feels comfortable — so this challenge should too.
120 miles isn’t just distance. It’s:
Early mornings when it’s freezing.
Training when I’d rather stay in bed.
Walking when my feet are aching.
Showing up when motivation dips.
I want this challenge to reflect what DofE stands for:
commitment, perseverance, and growth.
And I want to raise money so more young people can afford to take part.
Not everyone has the gear.
Not everyone has the support.
But everyone deserves the opportunity.
What DofE Has Taught Me at 16
At 16, life moves fast.
School pressure. Exams. Social expectations. Figuring out who you are.
DofE helped me:
1. Build Discipline
You can’t fake an expedition. If you don’t train, you feel it. If you don’t prepare, you struggle. That carries into everything else — school, sport, life.
2. Take Responsibility
When you’re navigating, there’s no teacher holding your hand. You make the call. You own it.
3. Support Others
The strongest person in a team isn’t always the loudest — it’s the one who keeps morale high when things get tough.
4. Stay Calm Under Pressure
Rain. Wrong turns. Tired teammates. Heavy bags.
You learn quickly that panic doesn’t solve problems.
That’s a skill I’ll carry forever.
The Reality of 120 Miles
Let’s be honest.
It’s going to hurt.
There’ll be days where:
My legs feel like concrete.
The weather turns.
I question why I signed up.
But growth lives on the other side of discomfort.
Every mile walked is a reminder that limits are usually mental before they’re physical.
I’m not doing this because it’s easy.
I’m doing it because it’s hard.
And because DofE changed me — and I want it to change more young people too.
Fundraising With Purpose
Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh
The Duke of Edinburgh’s vision was simple:
help young people develop skills, confidence, and resilience.
That vision is still alive today.
Funds raised go towards:
Supporting young people from disadvantaged backgrounds
Providing equipment and training
Keeping programmes accessible across the UK
If my 120 miles can help even a few more young people start their journey — every blister is worth it.
Training Mindset
Training for this challenge isn’t just physical.
It’s mental preparation.
Showing up even when motivation is low.
Staying consistent.
Tracking progress.
Trusting the process.
Some days feel strong.
Some days feel heavy.
But consistency beats motivation.
Why This Matters
At 16, you’re building habits that last.
You’re deciding:
Do I quit when it’s hard?
Or do I push through?
DofE taught me to push through.
This 120-mile challenge is me putting that into action.
It’s easy to talk about resilience.
It’s harder to live it.
This is me living it.
To Anyone Thinking About Doing DofE
Do it.
Even if:
You’re unsure.
You don’t feel “outdoorsy.”
You’re worried you won’t be good enough.
You’ll surprise yourself.
You’ll struggle.
You’ll laugh.
You’ll grow.
And one day, you might find yourself signing up for something that once seemed impossible — like walking 120 miles.
Final Thoughts
This challenge isn’t about being the fastest.
It’s about finishing.
It’s about proving to myself — and showing others — that age doesn’t limit ambition.
I’m 16.
Bronze and Silver DofE holder.
And I’m walking 120 miles for something that matters.
If you’d like to support my journey and help raise funds for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, every donation makes a difference.
Let’s go the distance.
120 miles.
No excuses.
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