News
Deptherapy’s Richard Cullen shortlisted for prestigious charity award
Dr Richard Cullen, Chairman, Lifetime Vice President and one of the founders of Scuba Diving rehabilitation charity Deptherapy & Deptherapy Education, has been shortlisted as a finalist in the 2018 Heropreneurs Awards.
The Heropreneurs Awards is a new initiative from the Heropreneurs charity, which helps ex-Armed Forces personnel and their dependants to create their own businesses and become entrepreneurs. The Heropreneurs Awards are run in association with The Telegraph and the Warwick Business School, and with support from the Ministry of Defence.
Richard is one of three finalists in The Veterans’ Foundation Award category. The Veterans’ Foundation charity raises funds for military-related charities and other organisations that help veterans in need. This Heropreneurs Award category seeks to recognise an individual civilian, or a business, that has given outstanding help to veterans.
Richard was nominated for the Award by the Veterans’ Foundation, who earlier this year presented Deptherapy with a grant of £10,000. Success for Richard in the Heropreneurs Awards would result in a further £10,000 to be used towards Deptherapy’s continuing work.
The finalists and winners of the Heropreneurs Awards are judged by a panel led by General Sir John McColl KCB CBE DSO, and includes key figures from the business world and the Military.
Since founding Deptherapy in 2014, Richard, a former Director of Training and Development for the Metropolitan Police Service, has become a “Father Figure” to the charity’s Programme Members, offering 24/7 support to many vulnerable adults and their families.
President of Deptherapy, Air Vice Marshall Dr Jon Lamonte, had this to say about Richard:
“You meet very few people in life who so many talk about as having changed their lives. For people who have made so many sacrifices for their country to talk of Richard as instructor, counsellor, mentor and friend, at times and in dark places that not even their families can reach, speaks volumes for the man.”
Ever self-effacing, Richard said:
“Working with the Deptherapy Programme Members is a privilege, and it is absolutely humbling. We know our work has saved lives, and we have also changed so many lives for the better. The impact on Programme Member’s partners and families is massive. I am stunned to be nominated for this Award but it is not about me, it is about the Deptherapy Team. Isaac Newton reflects my views on this: “If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.” Those giants are the Deptherapy Team and Programme Members that we work with.”
The 2018 Heropreneurs Award Winners will be announced at a black-tie dinner and awards ceremony on 14th November in London.
Do you know… it costs £1500 to fund a wounded in service veteran on a PADI Open Water course on the Deptherapy Programme. Deptherapy’s life changing work can only continue if they raise enough funds. The charity receives at least two applications every week from British Armed Forces veterans who would benefit from their Programme. Please help Deptherapy continue to make a difference to their lives. Pledge your support and find out more about Deptherapy & Deptherapy Education at www.deptherapy.co.uk.
Gear News
Introducing the TR-80, IR-50 and CS-30 Regulators from DYNAMICNORD
Whether you are a beginner or a professional diver – with the three new main regulators from DYNAMICNORD, everyone will find their favourite regulator. They all look super stylish.
Excellent performance with the TR-80
Quality and performance are the be-all and end-all for regulators. It is not for nothing that the TR stands for Tec Reg. The innovative design of the TR-80 guarantees absolute reliability – even in ice-cold waters.
Perfect breathing effort at 0.8 J/l / certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / structural design made of solid brass for best cold protection / membrane-compensated design with dry seal of the first stage / reduced exhalation effort thanks to optimized exhalation membrane and bubble deflector / adjustable Venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort / innovative design of the front cover prevents free-flow in strong currents or when diving with scooters / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 LP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
Amazing underwater adventures with the IR-50
The IR-50 is the top regulator for advanced and experienced divers. Natural breathing is the essence of this regulator.
Ideal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / compensated membrane / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort/ outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
The Workhorse – our CS-30
For diving centres and diving beginners – the workhorse stands for strong construction, reliability and robustness. Perfect for your training.
Optimal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /recommended for diving in waters above 10 degrees / non-compensated piston / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) / outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 1 HP and 3 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
Octopus OP-30
The OP-30 is the ideal addition to all DYNAMICNORD regulators. It is identical in construction to the CS-30.
The TR-80, IR-50, CS-30 (DIN & INT) regulators and the Octopus OP-30 are available from DYNAMICNORD dealers and in the online store.
DYNAMICNORD – Your Outdoor Companion.
Marine Life & Conservation
Paul Watson Released as Denmark Blocks Japan’s Extradition Bid
Renowned anti-whaling activist Paul Watson has been released from custody in Greenland after spending five months in detention. Denmark’s Justice Ministry rejected Japan’s request for his extradition, citing insufficient guarantees that his time already served in custody would be credited against any potential sentence.
The 74-year-old Canadian-American was arrested on July 21 in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, when his ship docked to refuel. His arrest was based on a 2012 Japanese warrant related to a 2010 encounter in Antarctic waters. Japan alleged Watson obstructed operations and caused damage to a whaling research ship during efforts to disrupt illegal whaling. Watson has consistently denied these claims, maintaining his commitment to marine conservation.
Denmark, which oversees extradition matters for Greenland, concluded that while the legal conditions for extradition were met, the lack of assurances from Japan regarding time-served credit made extradition untenable.
In a video shared by his foundation, Watson expressed gratitude and relief, saying, “After five months, it’s good to be out… and good to know they’re not sending me to Japan.” He added that the most difficult part of his time in custody was being separated from his two young sons.
Watson is a pioneering figure in marine conservation, known for founding the Captain Paul Watson Foundation in 2022 after decades of activism with the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. His bold efforts to defend marine life have earned him widespread support, including from celebrities and conservationists. His work has also been featured in the acclaimed reality TV series Whale Wars.
Watson’s lawyer, Jonas Christoffersen, praised the decision, stating, “We are happy and relieved that Paul Watson is now free.” He added that Watson is eager to reunite with his family and continue his vital work.
The arrest occurred while Watson’s vessel, the M/Y John Paul DeJoria, was en route to the North Pacific with a team of 26 volunteers to intercept a Japanese whaling ship. His foundation described the arrest as politically motivated and emphasized that Watson’s actions were focused on ending illegal whaling practices.
Japan resumed commercial whaling in 2019 after leaving the International Whaling Commission, asserting that whale meat is a cultural tradition. Conservationists, however, continue to challenge these practices, highlighting their impact on marine ecosystems.
Despite the challenges, Watson remains steadfast in his mission to protect marine life and bring attention to whaling practices. His dedication to ocean conservation has made him a globally respected advocate for the environment.
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