Runner completes marathon for deafness charity

Many people in society continue to be unaware of just how damaging hearing loss can be.

In many ways, because modern hearing aids have become so sleek and simple to wear and operate, to many it doesn't seem that much of a big deal.

However, deafness invariably causes problems and difficulties across people's lives and that's something that we like to try and explain to people when they come into us for their free hearing tests.

One individual who does understand what deafness can do to people is Adam Rosenbaum, the grandson of the late Labour MP and disabled champion Lord Jack Ashley.

Mr Rosenbaum has recently completed the TCS Amsterdam Half Marathon, in an impressive time of one hour and 55 minutes, raising £944 in the process for Deafness Research UK.

The charity was actually founded by Lord Ashley and the money, which could yet increase with further sponsorship, is likely to be a major boost for the work it does.

Speaking to the Ealing Gazette, Mr Rosenbaum explained that he saw the challenge as ideal to pay tribute to his grandfather and help out the charity.

"Running a half marathon is something I have always wanted to do and raising money for Deafness Research UK seemed a fitting way to pay tribute to my grandfather while at the same time supporting the charity he founded and what remains his life’s work and a lasting legacy," he told the newspaper.

"I got round in a pretty good time, while raising funds to support the hearing research that made such a difference to my grandfather."

He was one of 25,000 competitors taking part in the marathon which both started and finished in the 1928 Olympic Stadium and the 13-mile route saw runners enjoy many of the city's famous sights, although not for long.

Hearing loss can cause problems for people but with good advice and knowledge it really can be overcome.