By Press Release
National charity, Hearing Dogs for Deaf People is appealing for local volunteers who can spare a little time to help on its stall at the IW Garlic Festival on August 17 and 18.
The festival has been held every August since 1983, just outside Newchurch. Attended by families young and old, the Island’s biggest summer show plays host to star chefs, musicians, local charities and businesses.
Hearing Dogs for Deaf People has partnered several people on the Island with hearing dogs who are trained to alert them to life-saving and important sounds. The idea of running a stall at the Festival came from one of those people, Clive Molyneux from Newport. Clive, 71, wanted to give something back to the charity after he was partnered with his hearing dog, Lupin, a red cocker spaniel.
Clive was born with a condition called CHARGE Syndrome which affects all his senses, including his hearing. Before being partnered with Lupin, his hearing loss often left him feeling isolated. Clive explained: “It was my wonderful sister who encouraged me to apply for a hearing dog and I’ve never looked back. As well as alerting me to important and potentially life-saving sounds such as the smoke alarm, cooker timer and doorbell, she gives me constant companionship!”
“Since getting Lupin, I’ve become a volunteer for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People so that I can give something back to the charity that has made such a difference to me.”
Jordan Chamberlain, Community Fundraising Manager for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, added: “If there is anyone out there, who feels they could spare a couple of hours, either on Saturday or Sunday, we would be incredibly grateful.”
Anyone interested can contact Jordan at Jordan.chamberlain@hearingdogs.org.uk.
Mal Butler