Darcey was diagnosed with mild to moderate deafness in both ears when she was at pre-school.  When she first had hearing aids fitted it was amazing to see the transformation in her, She kept heavy breathing because she could hear her breath which she hadn’t before.  ‘Arlie’ became Charlie because she now could hear the ‘ch’ sound.  Her speech improved dramatically and she got on so well at school.  She called them her magic ears.  Unfortunately, she no longer sees these as her magic ears but more these horrible things she is forced to wear and thinks everyone looks at her and well just generally make her feel like she is so different to everyone else.  The fact that she can hear to some extent without them makes her feel like she doesn’t need them and it is often a daily struggle to encourage her to wear them. Unfortunately for Darcey her regular tests show that they make a massive impact on her hearing and are a necessity.

We were directed to the National Deaf Children’s Society,  they have been a valuable source of information since Darcey was diagnosed and more recently offered Darcey a place on a weekend away at Grafham water.  Darcey met other deaf children and had the most amazing time doing lots of activity’s and making new friends.  She now doesn’t feel like the odd one out or the only young person she knows that wears hearing aids.  She is much more confident about wearing hearing aids and more accepting of herself.  For us as parents this has been amazing to see her achieve these things and thanks to the NDCS who organise these trips.    

Because of the amazing support they have given Darcey, Alun has decided to run the London Marathon for them to continue to raise much needed funds for this Charity.

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