A CHARITY which supports deaf people is hoping to raise at least £10,000 by holding an auction to continue its award-winning work.

The SNJ has teamed up with Gloucestershire Deaf Association (GDA) to support the Hands Up Auction of Promises and to discover more about the successes and challenges that deaf and deaf-blind people face.

This week Megan Titley reports on how GDA has supported Mary Pym from Cirencester.

WHEN she was young, Mary contracted measles and was unwell for days with a fever, cough and a rash all over her body.

Later in life, in the late 80s, a car door, caught by a gust of wind, slammed painfully against the side of her face.

After examining her, a doctor told Mary there was scarring to her ear and explained that the scar tissue was probably caused by the measles.

Sadly, Mary’s hearing deteriorated considerably after the incident leading her to cut down on social activities as interacting became awkward.

Hearing friends talk amid background noise in crowded spaces became a huge challenge and when people changed subjects, Mary found it difficult to follow.

About ten years ago, she started lip-reading classes with GDA and said that had made a big difference to her ability to socialise.

She said: “Lip -reading has helped greatly and the classes provide such a fun, lively and supportive environment.

"It is so reassuring to meet other people of a similar age in similar situations.”

But car journeys and telephone conversations, when she is unable to see the faces of the people she is talking to are still tricky and Mary relies on subtitles to watch TV.

Cirencester’s Hard of Hearing Club run by GDA has also helped Mary by installing a new phone which amplifies sound.

“The clarity of the new phone has made a big difference,” Mary said.

“I feel extremely lucky to have an organisation like the GDA in Gloucestershire to support me and everyone else living with hearing loss.”

  • The Auction of Promises is on Friday, November 6 at Stroud Auction Rooms.

An online catalogue will go live two weeks before with bids invited ahead of the auction.

Lots will include a case of twelve wines by Laithwaites, and an England rugby shirt signed by Will Greenwood.

  • Readers can donate to the campaign at bit.ly/1PJ4ALb.
  • Gloucestershire Deaf Association can be contacted on 01452 372999 or email admin@glosdeaf.org.uk.