Grandfather’s memory and good cause inspire charity run

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) April 28, 2011 -- In memory of her late Grandfather and the work he carried out during his life, 29 year old Rachel Hendrick from London has decided to raise money for Deafness Research UK, taking on the challenge of running 13 miles on 4 September in the Glasgow half marathon. She currently studies at Strathclyde University in the city, the same university where her Grandfather, Dr Lionel Naftalin carried out much of his work, researching the theory of hearing. You can sponsor Rachel at http://www.justgiving.com/Rachel-Hendrick0

Rachel had already entered the Great Scottish half marathon, prior to her Grandfather’s death in March this year, in what she describes as a moment of madness: “My entry was already confirmed. When he died I decided to use the opportunity to raise money for a good cause in his memory. His work focused on research into hearing and ironically he suffered from profound hearing loss as he got older. I therefore chose to raise money for Deafness Research UK.” Rachel said: ”My Grandfather was 96 and died peacefully in his sleep but it was somewhat of a shock as he was in relatively good health. He’d only celebrated his retirement from his role as an Honorary Research Fellow at Strathclyde University last year at 95, where his work included research into the structure and function of the inner ear.“

Before moving to and working in Glasgow, Dr Lionel Naftalin had worked as a hospital doctor in Lincoln, retiring for the first time from the NHS in 1979. Previously living in London and working in publishing, Rachel moved to Glasgow last October to study for a PhD. “This is my first attempt at doing anything like this” Rachel said. ”I run, but I’ve never run this distance before, so I have some training to do, which is easier now the weather’s getting better, although you have to grab your moments in Glasgow!”

“My Grandfather was very active in his support of, and involvement in, various campaigns and charities, and his work obviously had a direct link to Deafness Research UK. I’d be very grateful to anyone who will sponsor me in my attempt to raise money in memory of my Grandfather and for this very worthy cause.”

Danny Whiteside, Individual Giving Fundraiser at Deafness Research UK, said: “It’s great to hear about Rachel’s fundraising efforts and we are so grateful for the much needed individual fundraising people do on behalf of the charity. Our funding and ongoing research is entirely dependent on the efforts of people like Rachel supporting us, and the generosity of people leaving us donations in their wills, for example.

“Anyone wishing to join Rachel at the Glasgow half marathon, or wishing to do anything else to help our charity are welcome to give me a call for a fundraising pack, running vest or just some general advice, support and encouragement!”


About Deafness Research UK
• Deafness Research UK is the country’s only charity dedicated to finding new cures, treatments and technologies for deaf, hard of hearing and other hearing impaired people.
• The charity supports high quality medical research into the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of all forms of hearing impairment including tinnitus.

• Deafness Research UK is entirely dependent on voluntary donations, gifts and personal legacies. You can donate online at www.deafnessresearch.org.uk , or call 0207 7833 1733 for further information on how to support the charity.
• The Deafness Research UK Advisory Service provides free information and advice based on the latest scientific evidence and informed by leading experts, Freephone 0808 808 2222 or email info@deafnessresearch.org.uk
• For more information on research into deafness, tinnitus and other hearing conditions, log on to the website at www.deafnessresearch.org.uk where you can access a wide range of information. Alternatively you can e-mail Deafness Research UK at info@deafnessresearch.org.uk

• One in seven people in the UK – almost nine million people - suffer hearing loss.
• Deafness Research UK was founded in 1985 by Lord (Jack) and Lady Ashley of Stoke.
In January 2008, Action for Tinnitus Research (ATR) was linked with Deafness Research UK under a uniting direction order under section 96(6) of the Charities Act 1993.
For information on research into deafness and other hearing conditions, log on to the website, www.deafnessresearch.org.uk
ENDS

Deafness Research UK     Hearing     marathon     running