NDCS (National Deaf Children Society) is a great charity that has supported me find my deaf identity throughout my teenagehood and for my love of theatre and performing. 

The regional level of NDCS (Oxfordshire Deaf Children Society) has provided me with childhood friends and many social events where I was able to connect with other people who were deaf too. As a first deaf sign language user in mainstream schools in Oxfordshire (what a mouthful title!) I appreciated meeting with other deaf people in ODCS. I sometimes spot them across the street and connected because of the ODCS bringing us all together! 

When I was a teenager, I went to a few events hosted by NDCS themselves for the holiday adventure week and for a drama weekend. It was a time outside my home when all barriers has dropped and I was able to explore my identity as an individual and as a deaf person. Those time with NDCS has been a part of helping me realise that anything is possible for me as a deaf person. I have always felt passionate to shine my deafness in a positive light and encourage other people that it is possible for deaf people to achieve provided that they receive the right support.  

But what really spurred me on to be proud of my deaf identity when I was living at home is something quite simple that NDCS does every season - they send a news booklet. I don't read all of them, but when I do, I'm always inspired by the parents (my parents included), the children, their support staff, that one person who included them, their friends and the accomplishment they made in their lives. As I grow up, I look back on my journey in the younger age segments and look at my age range for relatable stories and look forward to the older deaf children and their successes (now I'm on the older end but still in the category!) Deafness really doesn't stop us from getting where we want to be. It reminded me of my team. I had a great team behind me to help me live as I am living right now and you know who you are and I'm thankful for everyone who is a part of my independence journey as a deaf person!

So... I wanted to give something back by running the London Marathon for NDCS this year! I might have been running for a few years but it is nothing compared to the volume of training required to run a marathon! I am also just coming back from an injury in October 2021... Any tips from any marathoners are very welcome!!

It'll definitely be a tough challenge and will you be a part of #teamNDCS and help me fundraise for NDCS. The work they do includes deaf-awareness training, supporting regional DCSs, providing an information hub, setting events for parents groups, weekends for youths and so much more. Join me in helping make all the above happen! Have a look at the website: https://www.ndcs.org.uk/ for more information! I really want to support deaf children to have fun, meet friends and continue finding their identity as a person. 

I'll be documenting my running, fundraising journey and perhaps a couple of events/mini-challenges so keep your eyes peeled! The easiest way to look into my running training is on Strava (I'll be posting some rowing things there too if you don't mind! haha) 

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