On Sunday (23/10/2022) I took part in the Great British Dog Walk at Margam Park, an event to raise awareness and funds for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People.

My friend Sarah had signed up to the event with her dog Digby and asked me if I wanted to join her. I was so glad she had asked because I was unaware of the event and Hearing Dogs for Deaf People is a charity I like to support. So I signed myself and Leanne up for the 5km walk, along with our dogs Motsi and Honey.

A couple of months ago my Great Nephew, at the age of just 10 weeks old, was diagnosed as severely to profoundly deaf. He is such a gorgeous little boy and my Niece has been amazing with him. As Reggie is the first person in our family to be born deaf, this is all new to us, and charities such as The National Deaf Children’s Society have been a great help to my Niece and her partner. I think we all have a lot to learn, especially sign language.

Reggie is the reason I am keen to support Deaf charities, as one day it may be him needing the help and support of Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, or other similar charities. If you would like to donate to the event, you can do so here https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/TheGreatBritishDogWalk2022

The Great British Dog Walk held at Margam Park, was 5km around the grounds of the park. It was a lovely walk and we were so lucky with the weather as the sun was shining. Myself and Leanne did the walk with our two spaniels, Motsi & Honey, and Roscoe, a dog that we were looking after. It was the first time since Honey came to live with us 4 months ago that we had taken her and Motsi out together in a public place. They usually just go to Motsi’s Meadow enclosed fields for their walks. They were both so very well behaved and loved it! All the dogs were given a bandanna to wear to show their support for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People.

Hearing Dogs for Deaf People train dogs to help deaf people.  They train dogs to alert deaf people to important and life-saving sounds they would otherwise miss – such as the smoke alarm, alarm clock and even a baby’s cry. Being aware of these – thanks to a hearing dog – makes a real difference to deaf people’s lives, and can even save them. All donations, no matter how small, are greatly appreciated.

Thank you for reading and thank you to those who have donated.