The diving community is nothing if not supportive, and in recent weeks have been rallying to support one of their own – Gemma Smith – whose life has been turned upside after a horrific accident.
RELATED: Profile: Gemma Smith – Beacon of Strength
Gemma Smith is one of the leading women in technical and cave diving and has become an inspiration to many. She started her career a decade ago and has progressed to be an Elite Instructor, a PADI Ambassadiver, a being featured on numerous advertising campaigns for brands such as Suunto, SubGravity, and Fourth Element.
At the age of 27, she has already accomplished more than most retired professional divers. She’s known as an industry thought leader, motivator and technical diving instructor of the highest caliber.
Sadly in March 2018, whilst in the Faroes visiting friends she suffered life-threatening injuries after being struck by an automobile as she walked on the side of a road. Doctors have said she will be lucky to be able to walk again, let alone go diving.
After two weeks in intensive care, she returned to the UK only to find that her body was rejecting some of the implants keep her leg together.
The community has come together to support her in this time of need, setting up a crowdfunding page to help her financially (as it is common for professional divers to self-employed) and to help her get a stairlift at home. At the time of writing the fund has reached its target of £5,000 GBP / ~ $7000 USD but Linda Williams, the organizer, has asked for continued support:
“As you know Gemma is scheduled for more operations and treatment on her legs and we have everything crossed for their success, she is still incurring costs and won’t be earning for time to come so please feel free to continue to add to this fund as you are able”
The team at DeeperBlue.com wish Gemma a speedy recovery and ask our community to continue to support Gemma via the crowdfunding campaign set up to support her in her recovery.
Featured Photo by Danny Tayenaka
