Walkers step out with Chris Packham to help Hearing Dogs for Deaf People

DOG lovers turned out in their droves in the New Forest to to enjoy the Great British Dog Walk with conservationist Chris Packham.

The TV presenter welcomed walkers at Buckler’s Hard, Beaulieu, for the evernt, which is run by national charity Hearing Dogs for Deaf People and supported by Specsavers Audiologists.

Almost 170 people and their dogs raised nearly £3,000 plus sponsorship to help the charity transform the lives of deaf people by training more dogs.

Jordan Chamberlain, Hearing Dogs’ community fundraising manager for the region, said: “Buckler’s Hard was the perfect setting for the walk, the sun was shining, and everyone had a fun time on the day.

“It costs around £40,000 to fully train and support a hearing dog for the duration of its life and Hearing Dogs for Deaf People receives no central government funding, so everyone who took part has helped raise much-needed funds that allow the charity to continue its life-changing work.”

Susan Payne from Bitterne, who joined the walkers with her hearing dog Libby, a black-and-white cocker spaniel, told how it has transformed her life.

She said: “I was born severely deaf and was fitted with hearing aids when I was a toddler. I used these and lipreading to communicate. Over time though, my hearing deteriorated so much that even the most powerful hearing aids weren’t helping.

“One of the biggest issues was people not facing me when they talk to me, which meant I couldn’t lipread what they were saying. There were also times when people thought I was being rude because I hadn’t responded when they spoke to me.

“Libby acts as a visual reminder to people that I am deaf and, consequently, they make the effort to face me to that I can lipread them.

“At home, she wakes me up in the morning by jumping on the bed. She also nudges me to let me know when the smoke alarm, doorbell and cooker timer are going off. Since getting her, I feel more relaxed, happier and more part of the hearing world.”

Hearing Dogs is recruiting volunteers to help train more puppies – find out more at hearingdogs.org.uk/volunteer