Firstly, let me introduce myself. My name is Carol Ann Hatt and I am deaf. I wanted to take this opportunity, during Hearing Dogs Week 2012, to tell you at first-hand just how crucial these special dogs are to deaf people like me.

Growing up with hearing loss was really tough. Deafness can leave you feeling lonely, isolated, anxious and at times even depressed. I found ways to try and cope but there was always that empty feeling inside; a feeling of disconnection from the rest of the world.

Last summer my life completely changed when Marly – an amazing chocolate Labrador – qualified to be my hearing dog. He has given me back my independence and I feel safer knowing that he’ll tell me if there’s something happening that I need to be aware of. He’s like a friend to me and much of the loneliness I used to feel has gone.

It takes a lot of money, time and expertise to train, form and support a partnership like mine with Marly – each costs around £45,000 over the lifetime of a dog.

That’s why I’m asking, on behalf of Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, whether you would consider giving a donation to help them train more dogs and help more deaf people like me. Whatever you can spare will make a big difference.

With very best wishes,

Carol Ann Hatt