A teenager from Lowestoft, Suffolk, bravely leapt out of her comfort zone over the summer in a skydive for RNID, the charity supporting people who are deaf, have hearing loss or tinnitus.
Ellie, 16, who has hearing loss, described the experience as ‘amazing’. She said:
“I am so thrilled to have raised £724.06 for RNID which is a charity close to my heart. Since the age of 3, I have had numerous operations for my hearing and I now wear bilateral hearing aids.
“The skydive was completely out of my comfort zone but it was an amazing experience, I am so thankful for everyone’s support helping me smash my fundraising target.”
12 million people in the UK are deaf or have hearing loss, and face barriers in almost every part of daily life, from train announcements and job interviews, to ordering a takeaway coffee.
Mehreen Syed, Fundraising Lead at RNID, said:
“Thanks to supporters like Ellie, RNID is one step closer to breaking down the invisible barriers that affect so many people in the UK who are deaf, have hearing loss or tinnitus.
“Our supporters are essential to our work, enabling us to fund life changing research, campaign for better access to subtitles and inclusive services, and offer personalised support across the UK – we couldn’t do it without you.”
Ellie’s mother Joanne added:
“Ellie smashed her fundraising target and is totally overwhelmed with the kindness and generosity of people. For me it seemed very overwhelming as it got nearer, but Ellie remained as cool as a cucumber and enjoyed every second. I am so so proud of her.”