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Deptherapy’s Richard Cullen shortlisted for prestigious charity award

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Dr Richard Cullen. Photo – Stuart Green for Deptherapy

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.”

Dr Richard Cullen with Programme Member and Deptherapy Ambassador Ben Lee in Egypt. Photo – Dmitry Knyazev for Deptherapy

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.

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Discover Curaçao with the Ultimate Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition

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Dive Travel Curaçao is thrilled to announce the launch of the Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition, an expertly curated resource that unveils the unparalleled dive experiences and vacation possibilities awaiting you in Curaçao. Produced exclusively for the Diving Equipment & Marketing Association (DEMA) Show 2024, this special edition guide is packed with exclusive insights, travel tips, and limited-time DEMA offers that make it easier than ever to explore Curaçao’s stunning underwater landscapes and vibrant culture.

Explore Curaçao’s Unmatched Diving Opportunities

With over 70 diverse dive sites along its southern coastline, Curaçao is a bucket-list destination for divers of all experience levels. From thriving coral reefs and intricate marine ecosystems to historic shipwrecks, the island offers a variety of underwater experiences that are hard to match. The Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition provides detailed recommendations for both shore and boat diving, making it a valuable tool for divers seeking the best entry points, pristine reefs, and hidden treasures along the coastline. Whether you are an avid wreck diver, or a beginner interested in shallow reefs, Curaçao has it all.

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Uncover Eco-Friendly Dive Resorts and Top Dive Operators

This DEMA 2024-exclusive Curaçao guide goes beyond diving to feature insider information on Curaçao’s eco-friendly accommodations, dive resorts, and top-rated dive operators committed to sustainable dive tourism. From all-inclusive resorts that support coral reef restoration initiatives to charming boutique hotels near prime dive locations, the guide helps travelers find the ideal stay to match their vacation goals. It also spotlights trusted dive operators on the island who prioritize environmental preservation, offering travelers a way to enjoy the underwater world responsibly.

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Immerse Yourself in Curaçao’s Culture, Culinary Delights, and Adventure

Curaçao offers a vibrant Caribbean culture rich in history, music, and culinary fusion. The guide reveals Curaçao’s hidden gems, including culinary hotspots, historical sites, and eco-tourism opportunities that will appeal to both divers and non-divers. Visitors can explore the island’s iconic architecture, savor a diverse range of dishes influenced by Caribbean, European, and South American flavors, and embark on land-based eco-adventures, such as hiking, cave exploration, and visiting national parks.

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Exclusive DEMA 2024 Specials and Limited-Time Dive Packages

This special edition guide features limited-time DEMA 2024 offers on dive packages, accommodations, and excursions. Travelers who book through Dive Travel Curaçao, or our Curaçao dive travel partners attending DEMA, will have access to exclusive discounts on custom dive vacation packages, making it easier to plan an affordable, high-quality dive trip that fits your preferences. The Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition is designed to simplify your travel planning and help you dive deeper into the incredible experiences that Curaçao has to offer.

It’s Time to Dive Curaçao!

Now is the time to discover why Curaçao is a top dive destination in the Caribbean! Dive Travel Curaçao invites you to experience an unforgettable dive vacation with exclusive DEMA 2024 specials tailored just for you. To secure your spot, download a copy of the Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition and contact the Dive Travel Curaçao team to start customizing your Caribbean dive adventure today.

For more information and bookings, please visit Dive Curaçao’s website or contact our reservations team directly.

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Santa Divers take the Plunge for Charity

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Ho Ho Ho! Vobster Quay’s recording-breaking charity Santa diving event returns on Sunday 15th December 2024 for another round of festive fundraising frivolities. Run in aid of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes, this ever-popular annual fundraising event aims to raise sack-loads of cash for these two very deserving charities.

Divers of all levels are invited to grab their Santa outfits – and as much festive cheer as they can muster – and head down to Vobster Quay near Mells, Somerset for a mass sponsored Santa dive in aid of charity. In previous years, the event has attracted divers from the far corners of the UK to join in the festive merriment for a final festive dive before the Christmas and New Year break. Back in 2015, the event smashed the world record for the most Santa divers with 188 divers taking to the waters donning their festive finery – a record that remains unbeaten to this day!

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Vobster Santas isn’t just about setting records – it’s also about raising some serious cash for charity. Vobster Quay encourages all divers to get into the spirit of the season to raise much-needed funds for two very deserving charities – the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes.

Through individual sponsorship and online donations, divers can invite their friends, family and work colleagues to sponsor them to plunge into the balmy waters of Vobster Quay dressed in full festive finery. Since the very first Santa dive in 2007, the event has raised over £52,000 for charity. “It’s been over 17 years since the very first charity Santa dive took place at Vobster Quay and every year the event just keeps getting bigger and better” enthused Vobster Quay owner, Amy Stanton.

“Vobster Santas is a great way for divers to say a massive thank you to the both the RNLI and Help For Heroes – two very deserving charities close to our hearts. We’re immensely proud of all that Vobster Santas has achieved and hope that even more divers will join this year’s event on Sunday 15th December. I’m confident that we can make Vobster Santas 2024 the biggest yet!”.

Divers wishing to participate can get involved by simply registering their attendance at
www.vobster.com/event-vobstersantas.php.

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