Story
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;"><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Gill Sans MT;">My name is Michael.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was born Deaf and became blind in later life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It can be a very lonely existence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t go out alone and I can’t communicate with people who are unable to use “hands-on” sign language.</span></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;"><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Gill Sans MT;">The JDA is my second home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It gives me a focus, something to look forward to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the JDA, with the support of professional communicator/guides, I have the company of other people and keep in touch with friends I went to school with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I enjoy a hot kosher meal and participate in activities which keep me feeling physically and mentally stimulated.</span></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;"><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Gill Sans MT;">I love the outings, which take me to places that would otherwise be inaccessible to me – a boat ride in Cambridge; touching and smelling the herbs at the Chelsea Physic Garden and, as a sports fan, learning about developments at the Olympic Village.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But the day outing to Brighton was my favourite - to walk along the promenade and feel the sea breeze against my skin is my greatest joy.<strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"></strong></span></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;"><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Gill Sans MT;">Being able to celebrate the Jewish festivals means so much to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the JDA, we conduct our own services in British Sign Language and I really appreciate being able to participate in the blessings and customs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Feeling the vibrations of the Shofar and taking part in the Rosh Hashanah Kiddush makes me feel special – I belong.</span></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;"><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Gill Sans MT;">Being a part of the JDA community gives me what we all need to be happy - human contact.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Having someone to chat with gives me something to live for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Without JDA I would be at home alone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The JDA is very supportive and makes me feel special and comfortable.</span></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span><span style="font-family: Gill Sans MT; font-size: small;">Please sponsor me in the Community Fun Run and help me to keep the JDA’s important services running.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t know where I’d be without it.</span></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span><span style="font-family: Gill Sans MT; font-size: small;">Thank you very much for your support.</span></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><em style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Gill Sans MT;">Michael</span></span></span></em></strong></p>