News
Injured UK troops to help Egyptian children with additional needs experience scuba diving
On 10th December, four seriously injured British Armed Services personnel on the Deptherapy programme will help a group of twelve Egyptian children with additional needs from the town of El Quseir to experience scuba diving as part of HEPCA’s ‘Diving for All’, which seeks to make diving accessible to all people.
The event, supported by the four injured troops and Deptherapy staff, will allow the children to enjoy scuba diving in a confined water environment, similar to the PADI Bubblemaker programme.
The programme is being hosted by Steve and Clare Rattle at Roots Red Sea. Roots is the base for injured troops on the Deptherapy programme undertaking their PADI Open Water Course.
Working with HEPCA, the event is the brain child of Sharon El Shoura. Sharon, who is based in Hurghada and runs Splash Dive Centre, became involved with Deptherapy when she attended the Deptherapy Education Professionals’ Course which was run at Roots Red Sea in March this year.
Sharon, who has considerable experience of working with the injured and disabled, is keen to get people of all abilities diving and this event is part of her commitment to that aim.
The four British Armed Services personnel are Luke Morrison (single below the knee amputee), Gary Green (blinded in the right eye and PTSD), Mike Jones (back injury and PTSD), and Danny Martin (PTSD and cancer). All four plus their instructors and support team are looking forward to working and diving with the children.
Danny Martin, 23, said: “I am so looking forward to helping these Egyptian children. I know how important support and motivation is when you have suffered injury or illness. Going to war and suffering from PTSD was nothing compared to the battle I have waged against my cancer. Without the loving support of my wife Lisa, my children, family and friends I would not be where I am today. Deptherapy has come along and provided me with support – 24/7 if needed – and has given me a focus to my life. I want to repay this by inspiring these kids in the same way that Deptherapy has inspired me. Having children of my own I hope I can relate to those we will be working with.”
To find out more about Deptherapy, visit www.deptherapy.co.uk.
To find out more about Roots Red Sea, visit www.rootsredsea.com.
After a two-year tour of UK art galleries, community spaces and aquariums, the Shark Trust’s acclaimed Oceanic31 exhibition takes its final bow at the Royal Geographical Society later this month. And the unique collection of artwork, depicting 31 species of oceanic sharks and rays, donated by 31 artists, is now open for bids from art lovers and shark enthusiasts. The online auction, launched today, will close on the 7th December at 8pm (BST). The money raised will support the Shark Trust Oceanics Programme.
People can now bid on 27 of the artworks by visiting this website:
https://superstars-auctions.com/sharktrustauction
It is a chance to own a beautiful piece of original art and to support the Shark Trust. The timing of the auction also means that these would make a very special Christmas gift for any shark-lover.
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- Bigeye Thresher Shark by Janina Rossiter
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- Carcharodon carcharias by Jimmy Higgs
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- Croc VR 2030 by Tom Mead
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- Oceanic Whitetip by ATM
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- Silky Street by ScapaJoe
The diversity of pieces mirrors that of the sharks and rays they represent. You can bid on paintings, digital creations, sculptures, mixed media and more. You can pick your favourite artist or species of shark. Or you can select the perfect artwork to make a statement in your home or office. Whichever you choose, you will be supporting the work to protect these amazing animals.
One of the pieces of art has been selected to be auctioned live by Steve Backshall at the For the Love of Sharks event at the Royal Geographical Society in London on the 29th November. In addition to this, two further pieces will be raffled at this event, giving people a chance to win an incredible piece of shark art. For the Love of Sharks is the Shark Trust’s flagship evening. A night to celebrate sharks. Steve Backshall is the headline speaker at this event that will see other prominent shark advocates join him on stage.
Tickets for the event can be snapped up here:
https://thesharktrust.org.uk/Event/flos24
Those that would like to see the Oceanic 31 exhibition have one final chance. It is being displayed at the Pavilion at the Royal Geographic Society from 26th November until the 7th December. Entry is free.
Find out more here:
https://www.rgs.org/events/upcoming-events/oceanic-31
Paul Cox, Shark Trust CEO, Said “This exhibition has given us the opportunity to reach out to a new audience. And inspire more people with the wonderful sharks and rays on which our Big Shark Pledge campaign is based. We are immensely grateful to the 31 artists who have worked so hard to create these works.”
Bid for your favourite Oceanic 31 artwork here:
https://superstars-auctions.com/sharktrustauction
Banner Image: Smooth Hammerhead by Alicia Hayden
Cozy and warm in cold water.
It’s drysuit season all year round. With the new RS series premium drysuits from DYNAMICNORD, divers are perfectly equipped for all cold waters.
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Noteworthy is the Molle fastening system, which can be used in a variable and compatible manner. This way, the two detachable leg pockets can be attached easily, safely and comfortably.
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The matching Dynaskins made with high-quality Polartec® technology are available in various designs. As an undersuit under the drysuit, as a single suit in warm waters or as a two-piece suit. Polartec® technology’s main features are neutral buoyancy, breathablilty and quick-drying.
Dynaskins are made largely from recycled plastic bottles.
The drysuit RS-351 for men and RS-352 for women are now available at your DYNAMICNORD dealer and in the online store.
Colors men and women: Black-Blue and Black-Burgundy
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DYNAMICNORD – Your Outdoor Companion.
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