I am running the London Landmarks Half Marathon in May 2021 to help raise money for AVUK so they are able to support deaf babies and children learn how to listen and speck. 

My daughter Mia is an amazing bright funny and brave 9 year old girl. She was born with CHARGE syndrome - a rare genetic condition that affected her hearing, sight, balance and heart. Mia started Auditory Verbal therapy just before her 2nd birthday to help her learn how to listen and speck. 

Mia's early year were very difficult with managing all her medical needs, constant trips to hospital, getting the therapy and support she needed in place and starting education. AVUK were a lifeline and supported us through these challenging times. They never underestimated Mia’s abilities, helped us understand the importance of early intervention and adapted her therapy to take into account her vision, hearing and balance difficulties. They supported Mia’s teachers through nursery and primary school, making sure everyone has the knowledge and training to support Mia’s speech and language development. Combining auditory verbal therapy with our local speech and language support has really pushed Mia's speech along, closing the gap in her speech delay. She has made amazing progress. Her speech and language is age appropriate and she has flourished at mainstream school where she is learning alongside her hearing peers. 

I wish all deaf babies and children had access to this amazing therapy. Please help me raise money for AVUK so they are able to support more children like Mia. Thanks for your support ❤️