Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

I am running the London Marathon this year for the National Deaf Children's Society. My daughter, Aria was diagnosed with a permenant hearing loss in July 2021 and wears a hearing aid in one ear. 

It was a scary and worrying time for us as parents and the NDCS was an invaluable source of support - they hold information events, put you in touch with other parents who are managing a child with hearing loss, give advice and support to families facing barriers and put on events for hearing impaired children and families.

The NDCS helped us understand that deaf children can do anything other children can do.

These are the core beliefs of the NDCS and the reasons I believe it is such an important charity to support. 

1. Deaf children can do anything other children can do, given the right support from the start.

2. Effective language and communication skills lie at the heart of deaf children and young people’s social, emotional and intellectual development.

3. Families are the most important influence on deaf children and young people, and need clear, balanced information to make informed choices.

4. Deaf children should be involved in decisions which affect them as early as possible.

5. Deaf children should be valued by society and have the same opportunities as any other child.