How a gift in your Will can change a deaf person's life

Over half of all hearing dogs are trained thanks to gifts in Wills. 

Read Vincent and Teddy's story to see the life-changing difference a hearing dog can make to a deaf person's life:

Vincent's story

“I’ve always felt isolated and lonely particularly in social situations, even with family members.

“I find being deaf very hard, I am aware of how little I understand. I know when people are trying to talk with me that I don’t understand what they are saying, and as a British Sign Language (BSL) user I have the added difficulty of them not understanding me either.

“Teddy has made a huge difference to my life. My confidence has grown enormously, I now know Teddy will let me know if there is a fire alarm going off when I go shopping so I actually venture into shops I would never go into before on my own.

“People are kinder to me because Teddy lets people know I am deaf and people who can sign will approach me and chat with me. People no longer get ratty with me because they can see I have a hearing loss. Even things like crossing the road – drivers are more careful because they notice Teddy, so they put their arm out of the window to gesture to me to cross the road.

“I call Teddy my son. I love him to bits and I know he loves me to bits too. I take him everywhere with me, sometimes I call him Teddy boy when we’re at the park. He is loyal and my faithful guide and friend when working.

“When he’s not working he is mischievous and funny, he makes me laugh and feel proud. I think he is so clever what he does for me and he doesn’t mind in the least. I don’t know what I would do without him and I truly believe Teddy is happy with me too.

“The most important thing that Teddy does for me is make me feel like a useful member of society. I feel like I am part of the world at last. I no longer feel like I am on the outside looking in at this frightful world. I still get frightened sometimes but Teddy makes me feel better. I feel like I can try anything because he is my ears and I know he is listening out for me and he will let me know if there is something I need to be aware of, and the uncertainty that I felt before has gone because I know I have Teddy. I consider Teddy a blessing."