Barnsley audiologist Rebecca Jenkins is set to participate in the London Marathon on Apr. 10 to raise funds for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People. Jenkins, along with her partner Ashley Drew, operates Echowell Audiology in Mapplewell and has been training together with Drew for the marathon's 26.2-mile distance.
The event aims to support a cause that holds personal significance for Jenkins and Drew. The couple hopes their efforts will help raise awareness and vital funds for people who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Jenkins described the challenges faced by those living with profound deafness, saying, “Being profoundly deaf and never truly experiencing sound, is incredibly isolating.” She continued, “To have a hearing dog who is not only your best friend, but also alerts you to important and often life-saving sounds the rest of us take for granted – like smoke alarms and fire alarms – is incredible.”
Hearing Dogs for Deaf People is a national charity that works to rebuild confidence among deaf individuals by training dogs to alert them to everyday sounds such as alarms.
Supporters interested in contributing can visit the official team fundraising page at https://events.hearingdogs.org.uk/fundraisers/TeamRAForHearingDogsLM26.
