Hearing Dogs for Deaf People
1550. Grace Know
Grace Know, aged 97, from Wrexham, completed over 10 miles of virtual dog walks with her hearing dog, Amy, raising thousands of pounds for national charity ‘Hearing Dogs for Deaf People’.
Inspired by the actions of Captain Sir Tom Moore, Grace, who is profoundly deaf and requires mobility aids, wanted to undertake her own challenge and raise awareness of how important hearing dogs can be for people who are deaf or have hearing impairments, particularly during lockdown when they are able to provide vital emotional support to combat loneliness and isolation.
In a personal letter to Grace, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said:
“Congratulations on completing your fundraising walk with your hearing dog Amy!
“As you have drawn comfort and companionship from Amy during this pandemic, your fundraising will allow others to have the gift of a hearing dog. You have covered a considerable distance, all while raising thousands of pounds for a brilliant cause in ‘Hearing Dogs for Deaf People’.”
Grace said:
“I am so pleased to receive this award and cannot believe it’s happened to me. I’m 97!
“My Hearing Dog, Amy, is an important and essential part of my life and I rely on her everyday. I want to help other people in my position to have a Hearing Dog of their own. I’m truly honoured to accept this award and the recognition it brings of importance for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People.”