Amanda Richmond

Until last year, when Amanda handed over in preparation for retirement, she ran one of the largest Duke of Edinburgh Award school units in the country, which she had started in the early days of her teaching career. She has also led many World Challenge expeditions. She has in these ways inspired a generation of young people to enjoy and participate in adventurous activities, to contribute towards local community life in both Great Britain and abroad and to become young leaders. To do this Amanda has shared her love of life, selflessly giving her spare time to further the education of these young people outside the classroom. In 2009 Amanda became the eldest British woman to successfully climb Everest, an achievement, which could only be bettered by the honour of carrying the Olympic torch.