A NINE-YEAR-OLD boy with hearing loss will visit the Houses of Parliament today, Wednesday, to talk about what deaf children can achieve.

Charlie Denton, from Stonehouse, was diagnosed with hearing loss as a baby and given cochlear implants at the age of three.

He is one of nine children aged between five and 16 from across the UK who have been chosen to speak at an event called The Power of Speech which will be hosted by Stroud MP Neil Carmichael, who is deaf in his left ear.

Each of the young people will take to the stage for three minutes to present short speeches challenging the common perceptions around what deaf children can achieve on topics of their choice.

Speaking to the SNJ, Charlie’s mum Emma said: “He’s very excited, he’s obviously been practising and he’s feeling really grown up. He’ll be wearing a suit and waist coat for the occasion. It’s amazing for him that he’s giving a speech since he’s had his language delayed.

“He was very frustrated when he was younger as he was getting nothing from his hearing aids and he was desperate to speak. As a result I think it’s going to be a very emotional day for him.”

Charlie has chosen to talk about how much he loves playing tennis in his speech to MPs.

He’s involved in the Great Britain tennis squad and attends their training camps which his mum said was a ‘great outlet for him.’ Since he had his operation for the hearing implants, Charlie is now able to enjoy his other passion – playing the violin, piano and guitar.

Charlie and his seven-year-old sister Daisy, who both go to Eastington Primary School, have even put on a concert to raise money to buy chickens for a family in Africa.

With parents who are both professional musicians – his mum is a cellist and his dad Matthew is a violinist – Charlie has inherited their talent and inspired them.

“We’ve learnt a lot from Charlie,” said Emma. “You don’t need to put limits on anyone.”