We are raising funds for Nottinghamshire Deaf Society https://www.nottsdeaf.org.uk in memory of Valerie (Val) Hudson. Val died on 26 December 2024 following a slow decline from dementia and a short illness commencing on Christmas Eve. We believe she lost her failing sight completely in her final days. She was 84 years old. She was a survivor, having overcome a major stroke in 2016.

Valerie was born Deaf and learned to sign in adulthood. You may not be aware that signing was not allowed in schools at that time - both Val and Mark attended Maud Maxfield School for the Deaf in Sheffield, but met later at Deaf Pub. They married in 1969 and had one daughter Michelle. They enjoyed many holidays away in the UK.

Valerie and Mark were members of Sheffield Central, and Psalter Lane Deaf Clubs, and later, Nottinghamshire Deaf Society when they moved to Nottingham to be near Michelle. Sadly Mark died suddenly in 2004 and Valerie lived with Michelle, Shaun and Libby in Nottingham until their move to East Anglia in 2021. Val had started suffering from Vascular Dementia and Alzheimers. She was well cared for at Lilac Lodge in Oulton Broad until her passing.

Valerie also leaves a granddaughter, Libby and a brother, Michael.

We are extremely grateful to NDS for their support of Val and previously both Val and Mark as a couple. We are also indebted to all those who have supported us in Val’s declining health. Fighting for accessibility for Deaf people with vulnerabilities and health issues is a never ending task in our ableist society. We are grateful for any contributions, however small to support NDS in this endeavour.