I am thrilled to have the opportunity to participate in the prestigious London Marathon and contribute towards raising funds for the Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID). It fills me with immense joy to be able to combine my passion for running with a noble cause, supporting the invaluable work done by RNID in improving the lives of individuals with hearing impairments.

From a young age, we noticed that something wasn't quite right with Ellie's hearing. After consulting with medical professionals, we were informed that she had glue ear, a condition where fluid builds up behind the eardrum, causing hearing difficulties. The doctors assured us that a simple operation would rectify the issue, and at the tender age of 3, Ellie underwent her first surgery.

Unfortunately, the initial operation did not provide the desired results, and Ellie's hearing problems persisted. It became evident that a second operation was necessary a few years later. Despite the setbacks from the second operation, Ellie remained resilient and determined to overcome her hearing challenges. She adapted to wearing a hearing aid at 16, which helped alleviate some of the difficulties she faced in her daily life.

As time went on, Ellie encountered further complications with her ears. She developed ear perforations, which required yet another operation to address. It is disheartening to see her struggle with her good ear now, as thin eardrums have led to another perforation. However, Ellie's positive attitude and unwavering determination have not wavered. Despite the ongoing challenges, she has managed to achieve remarkable milestones, recently graduating from university and embarking on her journey to become a teacher through her teacher training program. Ellie's resilience and ability to overcome adversity serve as an inspiration to us all.

The funds raised will support efforts to create a more welcoming society, provide valuable guidance to individuals, and develop innovative solutions for hearing loss and tinnitus which hopefully will help Ellie in the future!