Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Jacob is my 3 year old grandson - when he was 15 months he got HIB meningitis (a rarer type that he'd had all the vaccinations against) and he nearly died. Thankfully he survived but sadly the after-effect was that he was left profoundly deaf in both ears. It was the most shocking experience and it left him very frightened, unspeaking and  very unhappy. He wouldn't look at us and was obviously very distressed. It was also very upsetting for us all especially when he tried to hear his mum play her guitar.

On the day that we were told by the Consultant Audiologist that he was profoundly deaf a lady came into the waiting room and told us that she was from the Elizabeth Foundation and that they could provide the specialist help we so badly needed.

This was the most wonderful relief as they knew in every way how to help us. Two months later Jacob had a long operation and bilateral cochlear implants fitted. The EF staff were again there visiting us and so thoughtfully bringing toys for Jacob in hospital to help keep him amused.

Jacob now is doing really well, despite a set-back when he had to have another operation last September to replace one implant that had failed, he now has nearly age-appropriate language plus he can communicate well and his speech is sounding clearer every day. The EF teachers have taught him how to listen and communicate again.

The upshot of all their hard work is that they have transformed Jacob back to the happy little boy that he was before his dreadful illness and they continue to be the most caring, supportive and hard-working team I have ever met. They are always happy to help and it is a fun, friendly place where the children feel at home and safe.

The Elizabeth Foundation rely solely on charitable work getting nothing from the government despite saving them millions and they provide a superb place for pre-school children to start their education. I will really miss them in September when Jacob moves on to school.

I am hoping to be able to raise enough funds to really make a difference for other children like Jacob who deserve the best help they can get from this amazing place. I am so grateful for anything you can donate to help this very worthy cause.

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 and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

So please dig deep and donate now.

Thank you very much

Fiona and Jacob