IMPROVISE... ADAPT... OVERCOME...

These three words – a mantra of the Australian Army – always resonated with Paul de Gelder. But they would take on new meaning after he was attacked by a shark in February 2009. Paul lost two limbs, and his career as an elite navy clearance diver was flung into jeopardy.

Drawing on everything his eventful life had taught him – from his wild teen years to his haul up the ranks of the defence forces – Paul left nothing to chance in his recovery.

He fought through excruciating pain, smashing challenge after challenge, and amazing the medical staff with his will to succeed. His inspiring story takes ‘never say die’ to a whole new level.