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Debra started her career teaching physical education and outdoor education at St Margaret's School in Exeter, Devon and then later at Claremont Fan Court School, Esher, Surrey.
Aged 24 Debra turned her attention to setting up an Internet based art company. Debra formed The Well Hung Art Company in 1999, specialising in Corporate Art Consultancy and promoting the work of lesser known artists via the internet. She finally sold this company in 2004 when her childhood dream of becoming a full time adventurer became a reality.
Having launched her second company, Shoal Projects Ltd. in 2002 she is now focused on building up work in the three major areas of adventures in collaboration with a sponsor, adventures for television/writing and adventure based motivational speaking. Debra works with organisations large and small (IBM, Lloyds TSB, Microsoft, Boots) to motivate and inspire their workforce. For more information click here or email hayley@debrasearle.com
Debra's ease in front of the camera and natural enthusiasm has led to a number of TV presenting opportunities outside of the adventure arena and she has worked regularly for the BBC.
As well as presenting on BBC Grandstand, Debra has also presented Big Strong Boys and Builders, Sweat and Tears on BBC1 Daytime. She has completed work for BBC Grandstand, CBBC Education, was the subject of a documentary for BBC Extreme Lives and presented a 1-hour documentary on the Southampton Boat Show alongside Top Gear's Vicky Butler-Henderson and GMTV's Ben Shepherd. To download video clips of Debra presenting please visit the TV Page.
To contact Debra's agent telephone Hayley Barnard on +44 7765 881420 or email hayley@debrasearle.com
Whilst at sea Debra discovered a passion for writing. She wrote over 60,000 words about her experiences which she completed on her return to dry land. 'Rowing it Alone' was published by Robson Books and in Holland by De Boekerij. Debra has subsequently published her second book 'The Journey' and has contributed to two further books. She has also written a number of features for the Daily Express and The Daily Telegraph and is always open to freelance opportunities.
At the age of 32, Debra Searle has achieved more than most people would dream of achieving in a lifetime, including a first class honours degree, launched two companies, won World Championship medals, presented on the BBC, has had books published and has successfully rowed solo across the Atlantic Ocean. In 2002 HM The Queen awarded Debra an MBE for her achievements.
Debra, one of an identical twin, was born in Plymouth on 8 July, 1975. She completed the family line up. Robin and Christine Newbury now had four children - two boys and two girls. Debra grew up in Devon, England and attended Hazeldown Primary School followed by Stover School on the foothills of Dartmoor National Park.
After school Debra's love of the outdoors led to her choosing to study a BEd in Physical Education, majoring in Outdoor Education. She graduated in 1997 with a first class honors degree and with a whole string of instructor qualification including Canoe and Kayak Instructor and Mountain Leader. Her lifetime ambition of becoming a Professional Adventurer was more alive than ever. She was later awarded an honorary Masters from De Montfort University.
Debra went on to gain a place in the Great Britain Dragon Boat Racing Team and spent much of 1998 and 1999 committed to intensive training for the European Championships in Rome, followed by the World Championships in Nottingham. The team came home with a collection of bronze, silver and gold medals.
Sadly Debra’s father died of Leukemia in between the two Championships. One of the most special moments in Debra’s life was going up to receive her medals in Rome with her Mother and Father looking on during a break in his chemotherapy treatment. Robin Newbury’s death spurred Debra on to start to live out her dreams and the race to become a full time businesswoman and adventurer began.
Debra remarried in 2005 and now lives with her husband, Tim, in Devon. Although away a great deal, Debra loves coming home to spend time with Tim, her nieces and nephews and her friends. Debra and twin sister Hayley are incredibly close and have been business partners since 2002. Hayley has recently moved to North London with her family for three years but the rest of the family still live close by in Devon.
"Choosing the easy option is something we all do from time to time if we're honest but I realise now that it can never be the most rewarding option and can ultimately lead to regret." Debra Searle - Atlantic Diary Entry
After an impassioned speech for The Duke of Edinburgh's Award General Council Conference in 2002, Debra was delighted to accept an invitation from Prince Philip to become a trustee of The Duke of Edinburgh's Awards. After Prince Edward, she is the youngest person to hold such an esteemed position on the board and is the only woman.
The work is full of extremes and takes Debra on visits to Juvenile Prisons one day to meetings at Buckingham Palace the next! Debra completed her Gold DofE Award while at school and it has had a lasting impression on her. She set her heart on becoming a full-time adventurer after completing her Gold Expedition so really owes her career to The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.
“There is something very empowering about completing a new goal, especially when the goal seemed impossible beforehand. Initially I felt I had so many limits to what I was able to achieve but I was wrong. The only limits to what we can do are the limits that we set for ourselves and I had been setting mine too low for too long.” DS
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