Imagine a world of silence where only 5 percent live in the same silent world as you. The truth is that deaf is isolating. For those children and young people who are born deaf, deprivation of sound also means deprivation of language. For a deaf child the process of language development is slow and arduous. This means that many deaf children have delayed language and this has obvious effects on their social, emotional and educational development.

Lollipop is a registered charity based in York that can benefit such children and their families. The charity was founded in 2004, and brings the families of children and young people with any degree of hearing loss together through regular and free social activities and gatherings. It helps the families and the young person to meet and build relationships with other deaf children and families.

I am Martin and my son is profoundly deaf with cerebral palsy. He is 15 years old and we live in the Malton area. My son is lucky enough to have access to the facilities that Lollipop offers to my family every month. I truly believe that the charity has played a huge role in my son’s mental wellbeing and happiness and it gives him a positive deaf identity.

On the Saturday 24th June Ryan, myself and a team of others will be competing in Total Warrior at Bramham Park to support this much deserving charity. A 12 k run over the toughest of obstacles.