Raffles are a crucial source of funding for Hearing Dogs, helping us train more dogs like Baz (see story below), whose support has made such a difference to Anne Barrick's life.
So if you’ve not yet received your tickets give us a call on 0800 954 0257 or email raffle@hearingdogs.org.uk to request yours today. Tickets cost just £1 each.
As well as helping us raise valuable funds to train the hearing dogs of the future, you could win a fantastic prize by entering our Spring Raffle.
First prize: £10,000 cash or a VW Polo 1.2
Second prize: £1,000 cash
Third prize: £500 cash
Plus 20 runner-up prizes of a Hearing Dogs soft toy.
Closing date is Wednesday 6 June 2012 and the raffle will be drawn on Wednesday 13 June 2012.
Good luck!
Hearing Dog Baz puts a spring in Anne’s step
Although hearing dogs are primarily trained to alert deaf people to a range of sounds at home and in public, they also help to lift the isolation and loneliness deafness can bring.
One person to experience the emotional, as well as practical, benefits of a hearing dog is Anne Barrick, who lost her hearing when she developed cancer. She says that when Baz came into her life, he helped restore her confidence and encouraged her to interact with people again.
Anne said: “My hearing loss started as a teenager with a malignant tumour blocking my eustachian tube and although I managed to work, I was forced to take early retirement. This was a big blow. I felt useless and alone.
“In 2002 I was diagnosed with cancer for a second time. I became very depressed, feeling that life wasn’t worth living any more. A year later my mother died – we had been very close and she had helped me a lot. I became even more isolated. I would go to social outings and meetings – I felt invisible and, not being able to hear, I couldn’t join in.”
At such a low ebb, the future was seemingly bleak for Anne. However, the arrival of hearing dog Baz completely changed Anne’s outlook on life.
“Since Baz came along, my life has been transformed. Now I’m smiling again and living life to the full. Baz has helped me gain confidence in my home, in the park and out shopping. When we are out, people will see Baz’s coat and take time to help me. Baz is known and loved by everyone where I live. I have become much healthier and fitter since I have had Baz as my best friend, companion and hearing dog.
“I couldn’t be without Baz. I no longer feel alone. He means the world to me. Life is full of joy and hope for the future.”
