An inspirational volunteer has been recognised by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh and a host of celebrities for her life-changing support for thousands of young people at The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) charity’s This is Youth celebration.
Lisa Waring, from Stone in Staffordshire, was selected as winner of the Torchbearer of the Year category, for an incredible 27 years of volunteering with young people across the county. Her dedication, generosity and passion for inclusivity were among the reasons why category judge chef and DofE alumnus Jon Watts and DofE Youth Ambassador Kalina selected her.
Lisa, who was celebrated alongside six other This is Youth winners at a star-studded event hosted by The Duke at Buckingham Palace*, shared her story – and afternoon tea – with His Royal Highness and This is Youth celebrity judges.
Now in its second year, This is Youth recognises the amazing stories behind The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, its half a million participants and nearly 40,000 volunteers – celebrating the astonishing things young people achieve and the remarkable dedication of the adults who support them.
The DofE charity received hundreds of This is Youth nominations in seven categories, with the final winners chosen by panels including DofE Youth Ambassadors and celebrity supporters – McFly’s Harry Judd and mum Emma Judd, actor Oliver Phelps, athlete and TV Gladiator Jodie Ounsley, SAS: Who Dares Wins star Jason Fox, influencer Fats Timbo, high-profile chef Jon Watts and broadcaster Karthi Gnanasegaram.
Commenting on her win, Lisa, This is Youth Torchbearer of the Year, said:
“For me, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is all about inclusivity. I’ve always worked with young people, and I want them to be the best person that they can be. I’ve inspired my own family to get involved – my son is now a teacher and a DofE Leader at his school – because for me, it’s a big family thing.”
“When I go out on Duke of Edinburgh’s Award expeditions, I want the parents to think that I’m a mum to those students, and I treat those students how I would treat my own children. I just want to help people. And that’s why I do what I do. I’m absolutely gobsmacked to be chosen as the Torchbearer of the Year. I can’t believe it. I feel overwhelmed – but proud, obviously.”
This is Youth Torchbearer of the Year judge, chef Jon Watts – a Gold Award holder himself – said:
“I was blown away when reading about Lisa’s commitment and service to young people via the DofE. I was particularly impressed hearing about how she continued to volunteer despite working as a full-time police officer.
To do any kind of voluntary work is impressive, but to do it alongside a difficult job like Lisa has done is just phenomenal.”
Lisa’s story
Lisa’s unwavering commitment to the DofE has seen her support thousands of young people through their Awards for almost three decades. A former teacher – now a detective with Staffordshire Police Force – and mum of two, Lisa has supported students at a number of schools across Staffordshire, including Thomas Alleyne’s High School, Paget High School, Westwood College and St Dominic’s Priory School.
Helena Gowler, 38, from Cheshire, is a former pupil at Paget High School in Burton-on-Trent who nominated Lisa for Torch Bearer of the Year. She described Lisa’s impact as ‘life-changing’, saying:
“I was an extremely shy 14-year-old when Lisa persuaded me to do DofE. I found it extremely challenging, but it sparked something inside me. I ended up at Buckingham Palace, with Lisa, getting my Gold Award at the age of 18. The proudest moment of my life.
“Lisa helped me to do my volunteering section of the DofE at the fire station, and I ended up becoming a Firefighter in Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, at a time when there weren’t many women in the service. Without DofE, I would never have had the confidence to put myself forward – and none of this would have happened without Lisa’s encouragement. I am 38-years-old now and although I’ve since changed career, the skills I learnt, I use every single day.”
Lisa, whose desire to help people has always been her main motivation, stood out to judges for her efforts to ensure that young people with a range of needs could access the DofE. She made adaptations for students with disabilities so that they could complete their Expedition section. She met with parents to allow more Muslim girls to take part – reassuring them about safeguarding, diet and religious observance during expeditions. And, as families from eastern Europe started to arrive in the local area, Lisa ensured that those young people could take part despite the language barrier. She also helped secure funding for pupils from lower socio-economic backgrounds, who may not have otherwise been able to afford to take part. Described by colleagues as going ‘above and beyond’ for young people, Lisa regularly worked on weekends, lent out her own family’s kit and slept on a camp bed after a long shift so that young people could take part in the DofE.
About This is Youth
This is Youth is a showcase of achievement by young people and adults through The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. Winners are being celebrated across seven categories:
- Boundary Breaker of the Year: This category was judged by Jodie Ounsley – aka Gladiator ‘Fury’ – and DofE Youth Ambassadors Abi and Freya.
- All-stars of the Year: Judged by actor Oliver Phelps and Youth Ambassador Megan.
- Change Maker of the Year, kindly supported by British Airways: Judged by McFly’s Harry Judd and his mum Emma Judd, alongside Youth Ambassador Georgina.
- Trailblazer of the Year, kindly supported by The Gosling Foundation: Judged by SAS star Jason Fox and Youth Ambassador Sam.
- Innovator of the Year, kindly supported by AVEVA: Judged by influencer Fats Timbo and Youth Ambassador Erin.
- Life Changer of the Year: Judged by broadcaster Karthi Gnanasegaram and Youth Ambassador James.
- Torchbearer of the Year: Judged by DofE alumnus and TV chef Jon Watts and Youth Ambassador Kalina.
Ruth Marvel OBE, CEO of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, said:
“This is Youth shines a well-deserved spotlight on just a few of the incredible things being achieved by our outstanding participants and volunteers all over the UK, every day. From teamwork and innovation to overcoming personal challenges, all our winners have done amazing things through the DofE and are an inspiration to others. I want to congratulate and thank them for everything they are doing to challenge themselves, follow their passions and make a difference in their communities.”
To find out more about This is Youth and this year’s winners, visit: DofE.org.
