Hearing dogs hero
331. Dave Thompson
Helping to unite deaf people with hearing dogs for more than twenty years, Dave Thompson has been a central part of the charity Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, Hull and District branch since, 1992 soon after his daughter, Denise, lost her hearing.
Dave saw how much benefit hearing dogs gave to his daughter and has since helped the charity create over 2,100 other life-changing partnerships between deaf people and hearing dogs, raising over £200,000 for them along the way.
Over the last 23 years, Dave has given over 1,200 talks at schools, social clubs and rotary clubs across the North East to fundraise, raising over £200,000 for Hearing Dogs. He inspired six other volunteers in the North East to join his branch – all were inspired by his commitment and dedication to such a great cause.
Research has shown that hearing dogs are not only life-changing on a practical level for deaf people – alerting them to important sounds and danger signals – but also on a personal level, helping to alleviate the anxiety and loneliness which deafness so often brings.
Prime Minister David Cameron said:
“Hearing dogs are a lifeline for deaf people, giving them greater independence and confidence in their everyday lives. Dave has given an incredible amount of time over the last 23 years to raise awareness and money for Hearing Dogs for the Deaf. His enthusiasm has inspired a team of people to join his fundraising work, helping to provide hearing dogs for even more people. I am delighted to recognise his dedication with this Points of Light award.”
Dave said:
“I am incredibly honoured to receive this award from the Prime Minister. I volunteer for this charity because I love doing it, I love seeing the difference it makes to the lives of deaf people. I wouldn’t have started doing this if it wasn’t for my wife and daughter, and the people at Hearing Dogs are such lovely people, as well as an ongoing inspiration for me. This award is for them as much as it is for me.”
Lucy Ward, Community Fundraising Manager for Hearing Dogs in the North East, said:
“Dave’s genuine passion for Hearing Dogs shines through when you talk to him, and he never fails to generate interest and support for the charity wherever he goes. He is well-known in the area for his dedication to the Charity, and we can’t thank him enough for all his hard work and commitment.”