We're taking a Journey to the Centre of the Kingdom

And we're doing it in aid of a charity we've become passionate about, The Co-operative charity of the year 2009, RNID (Royal National Institute for deaf people). We feel very strongly about this charity, as deafness and hearing loss affects the quality of life for millions of people in the UK. From the hard of hearing to the profoundly deaf, the condition can lead to frustration and isolation from society.

So before you dig deep into your pockets, did you know that:

There are 9 million deaf and hard of hearing people in the UK

1 in 5 people suffer with a hearing problem - may be a friend or family member?

As many as 4 million people who experience hearing difficulties in everyday life do not have a hearing aid and would benefit from one

Deaf and hard of hearing people are less likely to be employed

So where will your cash go? Well for every...

£50 raised - pays for a "Hear to Help" volunteer to show new hearing aid users how to maintain and clean their hearing aid

£100 raised - provides a home visit from a volunteer who will provide help and support

£250 raised will provide home visits to 5 people for a quick hearing aid check

£500 raised will provide 30 hearing aid maintenance tasks

Sponsorship is simple and secure, just click on the donate now button above and follow the instructions to do your bit.

Finally have you checked your hearing lately? If not, act now! Go to the following link and take the online or telephone test.

http://www.rnid.org.uk/howwehelp/hearing_check/take_online_hearing_check/