The Ear Foundation was started in January 1989 by Prof Gerry O'Donoghue and Prof Barry McCormick, and Sue Archbold has been involved since its earliest days. Before the NHS would fund cochlear implants, The Ear Foundation raised enough money to fund the first 10 paediatric multi-channel cochlear implants in the UK. 

Sue was The Ear Foundation's very first employee, before leaving to start the Nottingham Paediatric Cochlear Implant Programme, one of the world's leading cochlear implant programmes, whilst still maintaining her links with The Ear Foundation as a volunteer. 

On leaving the NHS, Sue again became an employee of The Ear Foundation and in 2008 was appointed as Chief Executive. Since then, she has seen The Ear Foundation continue to grow, including the building of 'SoundSpace' as the Marjorie Sherman Centre. 

In October this year, we will see the end of an era, as Sue retires. We would like to mark this occasion in a special way, but, in her usual forthright manner, Sue has made it clear to the team at The Ear Foundation that she doesn't want any presents! She would, however, like to raise some money for The Ear Foundation to help continue the work in which both she and her husband Brian have been involved for over 27 years. 

If you would like to make such a donation, please also leave a message for Sue!