Run the BUPA Great North Run for Hearing Dogs

2012 jan 6

Fight the Christmas bulge and make completing the world's biggest half marathon your goal for 2012! Hearing Dogs for Deaf People would love you to join their running team for the BUPA Great North Run which will take place on Sunday 16 September 2012 in Newcastle.

Lucy Nalton, Community Fundraising Manager for Hearing Dogs says: "The BUPA Great North Run is an amazing event, it attracts runners of all ages and abilities and has a fantastically welcoming and supportive atmosphere. We hope to find people from right across the country to take on the challenge to help us raise money as Hearing Dogs for Deaf People"

The general ballot opens on the 7th January 2012 so enter at www.greatrun.org and if you are successful in securing your own place and would like to run for Hearing Dogs simply contact us for your support pack.

However if you are one of the many eager runners not so lucky in the ballot please do not think you are getting out of it that easily! Hearing Dogs for Deaf People have a number of Gold Bond places for runners prepared to pledge a minimum of just £300 in sponsorship.

With no government funding, we rely on people like you raising funds on our behalf. Every penny you raise in sponsorship will help us to give deaf people the confidence to leave behind the isolation the deafness can bring.

To secure your place please contact us for further information and an application form. But you must be quick off the mark as spaces fill up fast!

Once you have signed up Hearing Dogs will support you every step of the way. From fundraising and training advice to the chance to visit our training centre in Bielby East Yorkshire to meet some of our hearing dogs in training and a post race reception at the Charity Village with refreshments and sports massage.

Hearing Dogs for Deaf People – which celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2012 – train dogs to alert deaf people to specific household sounds and danger signals, whether in the home, workplace or in public buildings. These sounds include the smoke alarm, doorbell, cooker timer, mobile phone and alarm clock.

Hearing dogs also wear distinctive burgundy jackets when out in public as a clear indicator of their recipient's otherwise largely invisible disability.

Since its launch in 1982, Hearing Dogs for Deaf People have trained over 1,600 hearing dogs and there are 750 hearing dogs currently in operation across the UK bringing independence, confidence and companionship to deaf people.

To secure your place in the BUPA Great North Run 2012 and for more information about Hearing Dogs for Deaf People please contact Lucy Nalton on 01759 322255 or lucy.nalton@hearingdogs.org.uk

About Hearing Dogs for Deaf People

Hearing Dogs for Deaf People is a registered charity that trains dogs to alert deaf people to household sounds and danger signals such as the doorbell, telephone and smoke alarm - providing life-changing independence and confidence. Dogs are donated for training by breeders and members of the public and when possible they are selected from rescue centres. The Charity also has its own breeding scheme. Hearing Dogs provides a national service and no charge is made to recipients. Since its inception in 1982, Hearing Dogs for Deaf People has placed more than 1600 hearing dogs and has around 750 current working partnerships.

For further information please contact: Lucy Nalton (Community Fundraising Manager) T: 01759 322255 M: 07769 901292 E: lucy.nalton@hearingdogs.org.uk www.hearingdogs.org.uk