Story
🌟 My 1 Million Step Challenge for RNID
1 February – 31 May 2026
Thanks so much for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.
Between 1st February and 31st May 2026, I’m taking on a 1 Million Step Challenge to raise funds and awareness for RNID (Royal National Institute for Deaf People) — and to improve my own wellbeing along the way.
👂 My Hearing Loss Journey
I was diagnosed with hearing loss in 2017. I went to Boots for a hearing test (as a bet, no less!) to prove to my husband, Darren, that my hearing was perfectly fine.
Well… I can safely say I LOST that bet.
I was diagnosed with profound hearing loss in my right ear and moderate hearing loss in my left. The practitioner told me I must have been lip‑reading for years without realising — my hearing loss was that severe.
To say I was gobsmacked is an understatement. In hindsight, having the TV volume at 99 out of 99 with subtitles probably should have been a clue… and it certainly explains why I was constantly exhausted from the effort of lip‑reading.
💛 Support That Changed My Life
Since then, I’ve received tremendous support from both RNID and the NHS. I’ve been wearing hearing aids for over eight years now, and they’ve transformed my quality of life — helping me understand others more easily, especially in social settings, and reducing the mental fatigue that comes with straining to hear.
🚶♀️ Walking Together in Inverclyde
My employer, Cloch Housing Association, is supporting me in reaching my 1 million steps by organising weekly wellbeing walks in Inverclyde.
If you’d like to join in, you can find more information at:
Everyone in the Inverclyde community is welcome to join our Wednesday walks. Walking is one of the simplest and most effective ways to improve wellbeing. It benefits both mental and physical health, supports heart health, reduces stress and provides a great opportunity to socialise, and enjoy a good blether with others.
Family and friends who would like to join me on this journey — message me on Messenger or WhatsApp and we’ll arrange something.
💬 Why RNID Matters
Unless you or someone close to you has hearing loss, you might not realise just how much RNID offers.
RNID is the UK’s national charity supporting 18 million people who are deaf, have hearing loss, or tinnitus. They provide vital information, practical support, and campaign for a more inclusive society.
RNID’s work includes:
Information & Advice: hearing aids, technology, communication support, and living well with hearing loss or tinnitus
Services: employment support, hearing health checks, and community support
Mission: to change the world for deaf people and those with hearing loss
Being deaf aware is all about inclusion. Everyone deserves equal access to information, spaces, and services — but that’s not the reality right now. RNID is working hard to change that and to transform public understanding and attitudes.
❤️ If You’re Able To, Please Donate
Your support will help RNID continue their vital work, raise deaf awareness in communities like ours, and improve the lives of people with hearing loss across the UK.
Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.
