Isabel Murphy a Sixth Form student from St Benedict's School in Ealing met His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh at a Buckingham Palace celebration, recognising her Gold Duke of Edinburgh's (DofE) Award achievement.

Hosted by The Duke as Patron of the DofE charity, Isabel joined thousands of young people and their loved ones for a festival-style celebration in the Buckingham Palace Garden on Wednesday 20 May.

The celebration was one of four taking place over two days at the Palace, recognising over 9,000 young people who have shown extraordinary perseverance, creativity and resilience to complete their Gold DofE in schools, community organisations, youth groups and workplaces, all over the UK.

During the exchange, Sixth Form student Isabel explained that despite her condition, she was fully determined to complete her Gold Award.

She told The Duke: "My expedition was tough, but I had a very supportive team with me. They learned First Aid just in case I needed help, which I am phenomenally grateful for.

"But, in return, I had to hear the boys sing Michael Jackson's Smooth Criminal for several hours and numerous miles across the Yorkshire Moors – for a total of three days!"

In response, The Duke laughed and said: "Well, that's a real test of your endurance!"

Isabel, who completed her DofE at St Benedict's School, was one of just a handful of young people to personally speak to The Duke at the event.

advertisement

Isabel was diagnosed with a very rare cancer – metastatic paraganglioma of the bones at age nine. After a removal of her kidney and attached tumour and two further surgeries on her lungs, the cancer returned when she was 14.

She was told that it was Stage 4, and terminal last May, during her radiotherapy treatment.

However, her prognosis didn't waver her positivity and determination and, in a speech at a school assembly, addressed to her friends, Isabel said: "Everyone's experiences of the DofE expedition are different, valuable and deeply personal to them, but there are very common themes that run through them all – teamwork, commitment, perseverance, communication and organisation.

"I did my expedition after six weeks of daily spinal radiotherapy.

"The hikes were long, averaging over 20km each day, but I was determined to do it. On occasions, the boys would know when I'd had enough – I was very well looked after by them. The support from our unfailing adult volunteers in the background was also amazing."

Linda Brown, DofE Programme Manager at St Benedict's School, said: "In over 40 years of being a DofE leader, I don't think I have ever come across such an amazingly determined young person as Isabel.

"It has been an absolute pleasure to be able to support Isabel to overcome every obstacle in her path at each level of the DofE, and then to ensure she could complete her Gold Award. Amazing – and so well deserved."

Joe Smith, Headmaster of St Benedict's School, also said: "Everyone at the school is immensely proud of Isabel and this remarkable achievement.

"Completing her Duke of Edinburgh's Gold Award is an extraordinary accomplishment in its own right, but what makes Isabel's journey particularly inspiring is the courage, determination, resilience and positivity she has shown throughout.

"Despite facing immense challenges, Isabel has continued to embrace opportunities, support those around her and approach life with remarkable resilience. Her strength of character has been an inspiration to students and staff alike and we could not be more proud of her."

For the Gold Award celebration event, the Buckingham Palace Garden had been transformed into a festival-style celebration for young people and their loved ones, with giant deckchairs, bunting, and activities – including some very special touches in recognition of the DofE charity's 70th anniversary.

A Gold DofE Award is a major achievement – young people spend at least 12 months honing new skills and talents, planning and completing an expedition and residential, and volunteering for a cause they are passionate about.

Since its conception in 1956, the DofE has reached over 15.5 million young people globally, with more than 8.8 million young people having started a DofE Award in the UK.

In the last year alone, over 345,000 young people in the UK started their DofE – the highest annual starts in our 70-year history – giving over 6 million volunteering hours in their communities, worth an estimated total value of £45.4m3.

Ruth Marvel OBE, CEO of The Duke of Edinburgh's Award, said: "It's an absolute privilege to be celebrating our amazing Gold Award holders in the Buckingham Palace Garden today – who through their DofE, have shown extraordinary perseverance and resilience, and developed core skills for life.

"It's incredible to think that 70 years ago, 7,000 young people started a DofE journey; fast forward to 2026 and this number shoots up to over 345,000.

"As young people navigate an uncertain time, we will continue to champion opportunities that build confidence, resilience and human skills for all young people.

"I'm deeply grateful to our volunteers, partners and supporters who make that possible, and over the next five years, we look forward to building on that further by helping an additional two million young people access a life-changing DofE Award of their own."

St Benedict's School is a sponsor of Ealing Nub News, without our sponsors, our Ealing online newspaper would not be possible. Thank you.