World first as Dave goes the Extra Mile!

DISABILITY campaigner Dave Thompson has completed a world first during a one-mile scuba dive challenge to raise funds for charity.

Dave, (pictured top) who only has the use of one arm after breaking his neck playing American football, has completed a Scuba Challenge in aid of Warrington Disability partnership using a special new rebreather system – and is believed to be the first disabled person in the world to use the new equipment.
He was able to complete the challenge at Sankey Leisure centre today (Saturday) without the need to change his air tanks.
Dave, who is Chairman of the charity he was a founder member of, completed the challenge supported by Terry Wood and his team from Cheshire Scuba Academy who provided support and equipment.
Dave swam one mile underwater, despite being a full time wheelchair user since 1989, with limited use in his left arm, and none in his right arm and legs.
He was joined by friends and colleagues including fellow diver Dave Williams.
The new rebreather system which Dave successfully used, was previously reserved for deep diving enthusiasts and military divers. But now UK company ‘Poseidon’ has briught rebreathers to the recreational sports diving market. Originally designed for NASA space adventures the system provides safer diving with less risk of decompression sickness, no bubbles and it is quieter to allow one to experience the marine life up close.
To sponsor Dave following his successful scuba dive visit www.justgiving.com/scuba2013
Dave has so far he has raised over £1000.
Picture shows Dave Thompson using a Poseidon Discovery Mark 6 Rebreather with centre, Dave Williams and left and Terry Wood of the Cheshire Scuba Academy.