Jack Townsend, an accounts assistant in national accountancy firm RSM’s Swindon office, has gained royal recognition for his support of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award charity.
Jack was presented with a special pin and certificate from HRH The Earl of Wessex during a business breakfast at RSM’s London office to mark the charity’s diamond anniversary.
Jack, 21, who works in the accounting and financial reporting team, helped organise the Swindon office’s 30-mile walk along The Ridgeway, in which 15 walkers took part.
He was one of 23 RSM staff and partners to receive their Diamond Challenge pin and certificate from The Earl of Wessex to celebrate their achievements.
Since it was founded in 1956, The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) has transformed the lives of millions of young people in the UK and across the globe, helping them gain valuable life experience and develop new skills.
Although the DofE usually limits itself to helping 14-24 year olds, in its Diamond Anniversary year it is calling on people of all ages to sign up to its Diamond Challenge and have an adventure, learn a new skill or challenge themselves personally.
More than 850 staff from RSM – which has a long association with the charity – have signed up and are taking part in challenges ranging from learning circus skills to riding the longest zip wire in Europe.
In addition to its support for the Diamond Challenge, in February RSM launched the Gold DofE Award for its own school leavers and graduates.
Jack received his pin and certificate at the event at RSM’s London office which was hosted by the firm’s chairman Martin Rodgers, chief operating officer David Gwilliam and UK managing partner Laurence Longe, along with the charity’s trustees.
Also attending were dignitaries and key business figures from organisations including Heathrow Airport, British Gas and Asda Foundation.
As part of the Diamond Anniversary, The Earl of Wessex is visiting venues across the UK to celebrate the work of the charity’s volunteers as well as the successes of those taking part in challenges.
David Gwilliam said: “Our firm has a decade-long association with The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and we are delighted to continue our support in this important Diamond Anniversary year.
“Hundreds of our people have already signed up to take part in the Diamond Challenge. This initiative, which gives people of all ages a unique opportunity to challenge themselves, will help participants gain additional confidence and leadership skills that will help them in their working and everyday lives.
“You’re never too old to learn something new, and I’m pleased that so many RSM staff have risen to the challenge.”
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award CEO Peter Westgarth added: “As we celebrate 60 years of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, it’s clear that the charity is an integral part of life across the UK which has played an invaluable role in the development of so many young people in the community.
“It’s fantastic to see RSM recognised for the outstanding work it does and enormous thanks must be given to the volunteers who work tirelessly to ensure that every DofE participant makes the most of this wonderful opportunity.”
Pictured: The Earl of Wessex chats to Jack Townsend at the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award charity’s 60th anniversary event at RSM’s London HQ
