This year, my rugby career stumbled into hitherto uncharted territory, when I was afforded the opportunity and priviledge to pull on a blinding white England Rugby shirt, and represent my country on the field. It's an achievement that fills me with pride, not only as a sportswoman, but as someone who lives with partial deafness. Thanks to the England Deaf Rugby Union (EDRU), I and others have a platform offering inclusion, recognition, and the challenge to excel. Participation in team sports is widely acknowledged to be an invaluable rung on life's jungle gym - and all the more so for someone struggling with partial or complete deafness.

So when the EDRU informed me of my selection into a squad to represent England Deaf Women at the World Deaf 7's tournament next year, my heart was immediately flung into the stratosphere! It's an incredible opportunity - and my goals immediately flew into hi-res: train and work to reach peak performance for the tournament, and use this gift to raise awareness and some funds for kids who, like me, exprience life with permanent ear plugs!

The World Deaf 7's is being held in Sydney, Australia, in April 2018. Sending a team obviously represents a significant cost to the EDRU (a registered charity), so we are naturally contributing to the cost of our participation in this extraordinary event, and any money I can raise between now and then will get my lilly-white bottom Down Under - anything over and above will go straight to the National Deaf Childrens Society. Between this page and various events I am planning over the course of the next 11 months, I am hoping to guarantee 3 things: Lots of raised awareness around hearing-impaired participation in sports, a tidy sum raised for the NDCS, AND a one way ticket to Oz for me! (Just kidding... I may just come back after the tournament ;-)).

Any donations on this page or at one of my events will be greatly appreciated - so you have my heartfelt thanks in advance!

Love,
Steph