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Norfolk Deaf Children’s Society

854. Michael Porter

Michael Porter, aged 80, from Suffolk, has sold hundreds of thousands of postcards over the past 36 years to raise £116,000 for the ‘Norfolk Deaf Children’s Society.’

Alongside his late wife Sylvia, who passed away last year, Michael has received postcard donations from across the UK that have then been sold on at fairs and over the phone to collectors. He appears regularly on Radio Norfolk to petition for postcard donations, explaining how the donations fund equipment such as deaf-accessible smoke alarms, specialised school supplies, and waterproof covers for cochlear implant users.

Michael received his award in a presentation from his local MP for Waveney, Peter Aldous, with Beccles Mayor Richard Stubbings and Waveney District Council leader Mark Bee (pictured below).

In a personal letter to Michael, Prime Minister Theresa May said:

“The hundreds of thousands of postcards you and your late wife Sylvia have sold in aid of the ‘Norfolk Deaf Children’s Society’, shows tremendous dedication and generosity. The money you have raised over the past 36 years has had a real impact for thousands of children, providing resources that would not have been possible without your remarkable commitment.”

Peter Aldous, MP for Waveney, said:

“Raising more than £116,000 over 36 years for ‘Norfolk Deaf Children’s Society’ is something Michael did alongside his late wife and is truly inspiring. He has done this by selling hundreds of thousands of postcards. Michael has also raised money for other good causes in Beccles as well, which makes this award even more appropriate.”

Michael said:

“I’m flabbergasted to have won, it’s a real surprise and I’m thrilled to be recognised with a Point of Light award. I would like to accept the award on behalf of my late wife Sylvia, who helped organise and sort the thousands of postcards we received.”

 

Waveney MP Peter Aldous presents the Points Of Light award to Michael Porter, pictured with Mr Porter’s neighbour Pippa Bridges, Waveney District Council leader Mark Bee, Beccles Mayor Richard Stubbings and Heather Basey-Fisher, Mr Porter’s cousin.

(Photo credits: top – Archant/Eastern Daily Press; bottom – Nick Butcher, Eastern Daily Press)

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