Meet 12-year-old James, who dreams of becoming a marine biologist and exploring the underwater world as a scuba diver.
Since he was born, James has loved being in the water and developed a love for all animals from an early age. He has had a passion for the marine world since he was five. At the age of seven James heard about Woking Snorkel and Scuba, where his godmother was a childhood member. James wanted to join straight away and six months later was given the Most Promising Newcomer Award. This expanded and consolidated his love for the ocean and all that is in it.
Over the last few years, he has participated and thoroughly enjoyed BSAC’s snorkel training. He also completed the Shore Surveyor Skill Development Course (SDC), participated in the Rock Pool Project, became a youth member of the Marine Biology Association and participated in Ocean Squad run by the National Marine Aquarium in conjunction with the Ocean Conservation Trust.
However, James yearned to take that next step to start scuba diving to get a step closer to his dream of becoming a conservationist and marine biologist.
James was born with a small hole in his heart which increases the risk of decompression sickness, potentially limiting or even stopping him achieving that dream. The options were to leave it and hope for the best; opt for a metallic device (with added complications such as a future allergy or restricting where he could dive with this type of device); or the third option of a pioneering operation.
James’ consultant, Professor Fraise from Guy’s & St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, suggested a groundbreaking biodegradable device. After seeking all the approvals and funding the two-hour operation went ahead in September 2025 at the Royal Brompton Hospital when James was 11 years old. James was the first patient in the UK to receive this device. It gradually dissolves within a year while his own tissue grows naturally and permanently over the repair, giving him more options for his future.
Before the operation James said:
I felt nervous but mainly excited because it could mean I’m finally able to scuba dive. That’s my dream. I have a real passion for marine biology.
James was back at school a week later and returned to snorkeling and Scouts quickly. It was a long six months' wait until James found out if the operation had been successful with confirmation that the hole had completely sealed: James got that confirmation in March 2026!
In July this year, James completed the first part in his scuba diving journey by training with Safari Diving in Lanzarote and certifying as an Ocean Diver. He had an amazing week with Sergio and Marcin. Now 'the brakes are off’ he has many places to dive on his list including participating in the lobster release programme and, in time, with the Seagrass Project. Meanwhile James is looking forward to starting his Sports Diver course with Woking Snorkel and Scuba over the winter months.
