Deptherapy welcomes new President

Scuba diving rehabilitation charity, Deptherapy, is delighted to announce the appointment of its new President, Debra Lilley, from 1 April.

Debra has over 30 years experience in the IT industry and is an Associate Director at Accenture, an Oracle ACE Director, Chartered Director and Fellow of the Institute of Directors. She has held several Non-Executive Director roles within the UK Oracle User Group including that of Chairman and President.

Debra is involved with a number of charities as a volunteer and is a long time supporter of the work of Deptherapy, having fundraised for the charity itself, as well as sponsoring individual Programme Members.

A keen diver, Debra has achieved her Master Scuba Diver certification. She has a particular interest in UK citizen science initiatives with Seasearch and enjoys liveaboard diving. Having taken up the sport to celebrate her 50th birthday, Debra now fits in diving as often as possible around her work commitments.

Debra said:

“I am honoured to accept the position of President for Deptherapy and Deptherapy Education. With a military family, I am also the proud mother of a serving Officer in the British Army. I came across Deptherapy a few years ago at a Dive Show and when listening to their story I was hooked. Although I’m relatively new to diving, the peace and tranquillity of being below the surface is priceless to me. I am hugely looking forward to being able to help facilitate that for our veterans who suffer physical and mental challenges.”

Notes for Editors

Deptherapy & Deptherapy Education is an English Charity registered with the Charity Commission. It seeks to rehabilitate UK Armed Service personnel and veterans who have suffered life changing mental and/or physical challenges through specially designed Scuba Diving Programmes. It also provides 24/7 support to Programme Members. Deptherapy is widely respected for changing the lives of those who come on the Programme. Many Programme Members have suffered limb loss and or acute mental illness. 80% of Programme Members suffer from PTSD or other acute forms of mental illness. The charity also provides education in adaptive scuba diving techniques to Dive Professionals.

Find out about the work of Deptherapy & Deptherapy Education at www.deptherapy.co.uk.

For further information and / or images, please contact:

Jane Herbert – Associate Director Media & Communications – Deptherapy – jane@aquamedia-online.com / 07742 647800

Richard Cullen – Chairman – Deptherapy – ops@deptherapy.co.uk / 07786 361196

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