Miss-Delectable
New Member
- Joined
- Apr 18, 2004
- Messages
- 17,160
- Reaction score
- 7
http://www.greatyarmouthmercury.co.uk/content/yarmouthmercury/news/story.aspx?brand=GYMOnline&category=news&tBrand=GYMonline&tCategory=news&itemid=NOED13%20Dec%202007%2017%3A59%3A06%3A557
Charity begins at home for a Bradwell family who are putting an extra sparkle into Christmas and helping a good cause at the same time.
Andy and Bea Bell, of Burnet Road, have strung their home with bulbs and flashing figures in an eye-catching display that is delighting local folk.
And this year Mr Bell is collecting money in aid of a nearby family whose daughter is profoundly deaf.
Alicia Whittle, seven, was born deaf and in 2004 she was given a cochlear implant at Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, which has meant she can learn to talk.
Since her diagnosis the family has received support from the eastern region of the National Deaf Children's Society, based in Norwich, which her mother, Alison, says has made a world of difference to their lives.
She said: “The society doesn't just support the deaf child but all the family members. The charity has been very supportive and we have been on trips to Alton Towers, Bewilderwood, Colchester Zoo, Christmas parties and Easter egg hunts.
“It holds clubs that children and families can attend. It's the fact they are there as a back-up.”
Alicia's younger brother Lewis plays football for Gorleston Rangers U6A team - recently taken over by Mr Bell and Tim Harrison.
Ms Whittle said: “Andy and his wife have found out just how deaf Alicia is and I was touched when they said they would collect money by trimming their house up for Christmas. I think it's a lovely gesture, it's what this time of year is all about and the whole family would like to thank them for their support.”
Mr Bell said: “I have decorated the house for the last six or seven years - I just love seeing the kids' faces when they walk past.
“After speaking to Alison and the family about Alicia, I just felt I had to do something. They told me about the charity and what it has cost them over the years to pay for operations not available on the NHS. It really shocked me, so we will donate the collection to the charity.
“It's one of those charities which is lesser known, but the work they do is just as important.”
Charity begins at home for a Bradwell family who are putting an extra sparkle into Christmas and helping a good cause at the same time.
Andy and Bea Bell, of Burnet Road, have strung their home with bulbs and flashing figures in an eye-catching display that is delighting local folk.
And this year Mr Bell is collecting money in aid of a nearby family whose daughter is profoundly deaf.
Alicia Whittle, seven, was born deaf and in 2004 she was given a cochlear implant at Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, which has meant she can learn to talk.
Since her diagnosis the family has received support from the eastern region of the National Deaf Children's Society, based in Norwich, which her mother, Alison, says has made a world of difference to their lives.
She said: “The society doesn't just support the deaf child but all the family members. The charity has been very supportive and we have been on trips to Alton Towers, Bewilderwood, Colchester Zoo, Christmas parties and Easter egg hunts.
“It holds clubs that children and families can attend. It's the fact they are there as a back-up.”
Alicia's younger brother Lewis plays football for Gorleston Rangers U6A team - recently taken over by Mr Bell and Tim Harrison.
Ms Whittle said: “Andy and his wife have found out just how deaf Alicia is and I was touched when they said they would collect money by trimming their house up for Christmas. I think it's a lovely gesture, it's what this time of year is all about and the whole family would like to thank them for their support.”
Mr Bell said: “I have decorated the house for the last six or seven years - I just love seeing the kids' faces when they walk past.
“After speaking to Alison and the family about Alicia, I just felt I had to do something. They told me about the charity and what it has cost them over the years to pay for operations not available on the NHS. It really shocked me, so we will donate the collection to the charity.
“It's one of those charities which is lesser known, but the work they do is just as important.”