Runners raise money for deaf patients at London Marathon

Apr 18, 2013 in Hearing Aids

Runners raise money for deaf patients at London Marathon

The London Marathon is always a sporting highlight in any calendar year, and this year, following the wake of the London Olympics, this is no exception. However, some runners are going the extra, ahem, mile, in order to raise money for a hearing loss charity.

One such runner is Lauren Rapacioli, who has a deaf toddler. By running the Marathon, the 34-year-old hopes to raise at least £2,000 for the National Deaf Children’s Society (NDCS).

Ms Rapacioli’s son Bobby was diagnosed with deafness only four weeks after he was born, and since then, the charity has helped the family to cope with his disability. Talking to The Barnet Press, the runner said: “It has always been a bit of a personal challenge for me. I always wanted to do it, and the NDCS has helped us so much it felt like a good way of giving something back. “The NDCS were invaluable. I think without them we would have felt a little lost. We would have found our way eventually, but they helped us a lot.”

Meanwhile Stuart MacDonald, who is deaf himself, will be taking on his second Marathon this weekend. However, this time, he will be able to hear the crowds after receiving a cochlea implant last year. The 30-year-old from Gourock last ran the Marathon in 2011, where he managed it in five hours and 57 minutes.

Mr MacDonald will also be raising money for the NDCS with the same target of £2,000. He has managed to raise £830 so far, but he argues that every little bit counts.

Those suffering from hearing loss are encouraged to visit a doctor as soon as possible and consider the wide choice of hearing aids available.

Both runners will be tackling the 26.2-mile run on Sunday (April 21st).