From foster care to flagship: Navy chef nominated for national youth award

A 19-year-old sailor has been nominated for an Inspirational Youth Award after overcoming a difficult start to his life to forge a career in the Royal Navy.

Declan Dowler, who is  known as Dobby, is a young chef in the Navy, serving over 2,000 meals a day to his shipmates on HMS Prince of Wales.

He is set to join the galley team on frigate HMS Portland next, marking the next step in his naval journey.

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Declan's early life was far from easy.

Spending 10 years in foster care, coupled with delayed speech development and dyslexia, he has overcome significant personal challenges.

Reflecting on his background, Declan said: "I tried my best, never gave up and look at what I have achieved.

"I also think it's important to talk about my background, how hard I've worked and show people that there isn't such a thing called 'can’t'."

Alongside his culinary role - in which his signature dish is lasagne - Declan has also taken on demanding damage-control duties, learning practical skills that are essential in a high-pressure environment.

His versatility has earned him praise from his colleagues.

"Hard working and energetic, Dobby'is enthusiastic and proud to be part of the catering team," said HMS Prince of Wales's catering manager, Chief Petty Officer Robbie Roberts.

"He volunteers for pretty much every ship's activity – he's never far from a damage control incident, working on his firefighting skills.

"Despite the challenges he has faced in life, he gives his all to the ship and is always smiling and willing to be a team player to help his shipmates out.

"He has an extremely promising career ahead of him in the Royal Navy, and I could not be prouder that he has been nominated for the Inspirational Youth Award."

Declan is keen to use his experience to motivate others.

"I want to inspire other youths who are in foster care – or even those who are not – to join the military at a young age, because it's life-changing and you learn so much," he said.