A group of family and friends from across Britain have formed a formidable running team to raise money for deaf children.
Miskin-based Elen Naughton, whose daughter Nel, 2, was born profoundly deaf, and her cousin Jenny Weare are leading the charge, with 18 family members and friends also deciding to join in.
‘The 1705 Alliance’ will run more than 150 kilometres altogether, with all proceeds going to the National Deaf Children’s Society.
The team, which includes Nel’s dad Martin and sister Anni, 4, will take on their own distances in different places across the country on May 17th. They’ve already raised more than £1,000 and donations are still coming in.
Elen said: “Jenny and I love running and we thought we’d try and combine our daily exercise with raising money. We asked our family and friends and so many have decided to get involved.
“The National Deaf Children’s Society have been such a great support to us. It’s a great opportunity to support them and raise awareness of British Sign Language, which is Nel’s first language.”
“She knows exactly what’s happening and whenever I put my running shoes on, she’s at the window to wave goodbye.
Nel was fitted with cochlear implants around eight months ago, which has given her access to sound, which Elen says still amazes her and Martin every day.
“Her favourite thing to do is to sing along to Frozen with her big sister. She makes animal noises all day long whilst looking at her books, or when a cat runs past the window, and her face lights up when she hears a bird singing outside.
“She really is enjoying listening, and learning about new sounds.”
To donate to the team, visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/the1705alliance.
Anyone who needs help or advice from the National Deaf Children’s Society can visit www.ndcs.org.uk or contact their helpline on 0808 800 8880 or https://interpreternow.co.uk/ndcs.
Claire Lubbock of the National Deaf Children’s Society, said:
“It’s brilliant to see events like this taking place and we’re really grateful for every penny they’re raising. We wish all the runners the best of luck and can’t wait to hear how they all got on.
“Donations like these mean we can keep working towards a world without barriers for every deaf child, and we won’t stop until we get there.”
