Georgia Williams Trust starts hunt for new scholar
A teenager who was awarded a life-changing scuba diving scholarship by the Georgia Williams Trust said it had been the "best year of her life".
Lois Adams, 15, a pupil at Abraham Darby School in Madeley, Telford, was speaking as the trust, in conjunction with Telford's Immerse School of Diving, launched its hunt for a new scholar for 2015.
Scuba diving featured high on a bucket list entitled "Things To Do Before I Die" written by the adventurous Georgia, 17, from Wellington.
The Georgia Williams Trust was set up after she was tragically murdered to create a fund for 11 to 18-year-olds to help them realise their dreams – and it has already raised more than £50,000.
The trust joined forces with Immerse to fund The Georgia Williams Diving Scholarship, giving someone the chance to become a master scuba diver and open the door for them to become a professional diver when they turn 18.
Lois beat off competition from scores of other applicants to land the coveted prize.
During a dive training session in the pool at Wrekin College in Wellington, Lois said: "It has been the best year of my life, and that is no exaggeration.
"I didn't do anything before I took up scuba diving. It's changed my life really. I have made friends for life here and it has opened up potential career paths for me in the future."
As well as Lois, the trust was so impressed with runners-up Chloe Forrester, 16, and George Ellison, 12, that it also awarded them partial scholarships and they have been learning alongside Lois.
Georgia's mum Lynnette said she was delighted with how the three youngsters had progressed.
"It's been amazing to watch," she said.
"We launched this as a bit of a stab in the dark, really, as we had never done anything in this field before. But it's been brilliant and it's great to see the progress the three have made and the way they have come on.
"Now we start all over again, and we will be going out to schools in Telford over the next few weeks to tell pupils about this year's scholarship and encourage those who are interested to apply."
Jo Flack, instructor at Immerse School of Diving, said: "This is an extraordinary opportunity for a very special young person from the borough of Telford & Wrekin.
"We are looking for a motivated young person, with an interest in the underwater world and the ambition and commitment to fully engage in the scholarship and to achieve its aims following Georgia's spirit of adventure. If that sounds like you, then we'd love to hear from you."
The successful applicant, who does not need to have done any underwater diving before, will train to attain their Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) Junior Master Scuba Diver rating.
It is the highest non-professional scuba diving qualification with the world's most recognised and respected diving agency.
Over the period of the year-long course, they will be able to attend weekly pool sessions and complete at least 50 scuba dives.
They will also explore fields of their own interest, which could include underwater scientific research, environmental activities, photography and videography and diving journalism, while meeting some of the industry's leading names.
"The Georgia Williams Diving Scholar will be an ambassador for the trust and will be expected to raise awareness by promoting the charity's aims and helping to make scuba diving more accessible for young people in the borough of Telford & Wrekin," Jo added.
Anyone aged between 11 and 18 who is living or studying in Telford & Wrekin, can apply and will not be means tested.
Shortlisted applicants will have the opportunity to complete a try dive.
Applications are now open at www.immersediving.com/the-georgia-williams-youth-diving-programme and close at midnight on May 31. Donations to the scholarship can be made through the link to Just Giving on the Immerse School of Diving website.
Any other adventure activity businesses which can offer other opportunities for the Georgia Williams Trust should visit www.thegeorgiawilliamstrust.org
