Ash Semmens English Channel Crossing
"For over a decade I suffered in silence, alone in the darkness of severe PTSD caused by many life-threatening events including being blown up by a Taliban roadside bomb in Afghanistan. I self-medicated with alcohol which led to depression and eventually, one day, I found myself considering the end of my life. I found strength that day, I needed to be here. I discovered my true mission in life: to speak out and help those still suffering in silence. In a world first I’m finning across the English Channel to raise money and awareness for the Navy Clearance Diver Trust. I ask you to help me do this by clicking on the link below and donating what you can to Navy Clearance Diver Foundation Limited (ABN 27 644 503 506) as trustee for Navy Clearance Diver Trust No 2. My fundraising target is the Australian dollar equivalent of US$110,000. This will allow me to fund my share of a feature documentary of the crossing with my share of the profits returning to the Navy Clearance Diver Trust No 2. I can no longer serve my country but I can serve those that are still holding the line, still protecting us. I’ve found a new way to suffer in silence, rather than at the bottom of a bottle I’m now suffering in the pool strengthening my body and more importantly my mind training for the 34km Channel crossing. Please share and spread the word – We don’t have to suffer alone and in silence." – Ash Semmens
Note that donations are not refundable. If the donation target is not met, funds donated may be used for the purposes of funding the feature documentary referred to above (if it or an alternative production proceeds), to support Ash's fin across the English Channel, or otherwise as determined by the Board of Navy Clearance Diver Foundation Limited (ABN 27 644 503 506) to support the other work and initiatives of the Navy Clearance Diver Trust No 2 in advancement of its objectives.
