Miss-Delectable
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http://www.wigantoday.net/wigan-news?articleid=2862288
A Wigan pensioner has been honoured for a lifetime of championing the cause of deaf people.
Wilf Heyes, 82, was nominated by his son David for a community award from the Royal National Institute for the Deaf (RNID).
The news came as Deaf Awareness Week got under way. The first RNID Community Awards aim to acknowledge the efforts of individuals who have made a difference to the lives of deaf and hard of hearing people.
Wilf, who lives with wife Joan in Winstanley Road, Orrell, has been hard of hearing since he was 12 and his condition deteriorated to such an extent that he is now completely deaf.
But the disability has never got in the way of his objectives – he enjoyed a career working at Rathbone's bakery – and he helped set up Wigan Hard of Hearing Club 58 years ago.
Taxi driver David said: "My father deserves RNID's Community Award for his lifelong dedication to deaf and hard of hearing causes.
"He helped found the Wigan Hard of Hearing Club in 1949 and since then has raised thousands for local hard of hearing clubs, deaf-blind associations and Hearing Dogs for the Deaf. Deaf and hard-of-hearing people across the North West have benefited from his commitment – we are lucky to have him."
Wilf said: "I'm really pleased to have been nominated. It's a real boost to know that what I do is making a difference.
"Hopefully, the RNID Community Awards will encourage more people to become
local champions."
Dr John Low, chief executive of RNID, said: "Wilfred Heyes has done much to improve the lives of deaf and hard of hearing people in Wigan.
"RNID has been working to overcome the barriers and stigma faced by deaf and hard of hearing people for more than 95
years.
"However, we cannot do this without the continued support of local people who raise awareness of hearing loss in their communities, encourage best practice or dedicate their lives to helping deaf and hard of hearing people in some way, just like Wilfred Heyes. If his story inspires you, you too can help change the world for the deaf and hard of hearing people you meet."
RNID is encouraging local people to get involved in Deaf Awareness Week.
Follow these seven simple steps and think about your hearing when doing it:
Step 1: Don't shout, just speak clearly
Step 2: Check your hearing. Phone 0845 600 5555 (local rate) for a five-minute check-up
Step 3: Learn to fingerspell
Step 4: Watch your favourite soap with the sound off
Step 5: Turn your music down a notch
Step 6: Look for the loop sign. How accessible are public places if you wear a hearing aid?
Step 7: Get involved
A Wigan pensioner has been honoured for a lifetime of championing the cause of deaf people.
Wilf Heyes, 82, was nominated by his son David for a community award from the Royal National Institute for the Deaf (RNID).
The news came as Deaf Awareness Week got under way. The first RNID Community Awards aim to acknowledge the efforts of individuals who have made a difference to the lives of deaf and hard of hearing people.
Wilf, who lives with wife Joan in Winstanley Road, Orrell, has been hard of hearing since he was 12 and his condition deteriorated to such an extent that he is now completely deaf.
But the disability has never got in the way of his objectives – he enjoyed a career working at Rathbone's bakery – and he helped set up Wigan Hard of Hearing Club 58 years ago.
Taxi driver David said: "My father deserves RNID's Community Award for his lifelong dedication to deaf and hard of hearing causes.
"He helped found the Wigan Hard of Hearing Club in 1949 and since then has raised thousands for local hard of hearing clubs, deaf-blind associations and Hearing Dogs for the Deaf. Deaf and hard-of-hearing people across the North West have benefited from his commitment – we are lucky to have him."
Wilf said: "I'm really pleased to have been nominated. It's a real boost to know that what I do is making a difference.
"Hopefully, the RNID Community Awards will encourage more people to become
local champions."
Dr John Low, chief executive of RNID, said: "Wilfred Heyes has done much to improve the lives of deaf and hard of hearing people in Wigan.
"RNID has been working to overcome the barriers and stigma faced by deaf and hard of hearing people for more than 95
years.
"However, we cannot do this without the continued support of local people who raise awareness of hearing loss in their communities, encourage best practice or dedicate their lives to helping deaf and hard of hearing people in some way, just like Wilfred Heyes. If his story inspires you, you too can help change the world for the deaf and hard of hearing people you meet."
RNID is encouraging local people to get involved in Deaf Awareness Week.
Follow these seven simple steps and think about your hearing when doing it:
Step 1: Don't shout, just speak clearly
Step 2: Check your hearing. Phone 0845 600 5555 (local rate) for a five-minute check-up
Step 3: Learn to fingerspell
Step 4: Watch your favourite soap with the sound off
Step 5: Turn your music down a notch
Step 6: Look for the loop sign. How accessible are public places if you wear a hearing aid?
Step 7: Get involved