Putting one’s life back together after a traumatic military experience can be tough, something that former British soldier Steve Atkin knows all too well.
Atkin got involved with the British charity organization Deptherapy, which helped him conquer both serious physical and mental injuries, including acute PTSD that rendered him unable to leave his home for several years.
Atkin said earlier this year:
“I got in touch with Deptherapy through the Endeavour Fund. I found the whole experience very humbling, I surprised myself with how much I could do with support. Diving aside I think the instructors and my fellow students are superb. It is not just about the diving, it is about finding you are not on your own, it is about sharing your experiences. It is life changing. I have been asked to be part of the support team going forward which is amazing.”
Atkin credits the charity with “giving me back my direction in life, rebuilding my shattered confidence and broken soul, as well as returning a Father and Husband to my family.”
To honor his achievement, Deptherapy recently bestowed the Endeavour Award to Atkin, who is now a Deptherapy Ambassador and PADI Advanced Open Water, Deep and Wreck Diver. He also actively supports other Deptherapy Program Members in their recovery.
Atkin’s award was one of 14 given out at a ceremony during the recent DIVE 2017 weekend.
Major General Paul Nanson CBE, commandant of the Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst, gave out the awards along with Air Vice Marshall and renowned underwater photographer Paul Colley.
For more info, check out the charity’s website at www.deptherapy.co.uk.
