What is Derby Hearing Dogs about?
Hearing Dogs for Deaf People (HDFDP) was formed in 1982 and officially launced at Crufts that year. Their aim is to find, train and support suitable dogs to assist deaf people live a normal and healthy life, These dogs are donated, specifically bred or found at rescue centres throughout the country.
The Derby Branch of Hearing Dogs for Deaf People has recently been re-activated after a few years with Debs Rolley-Parnell taking the reigns as the chairperson, and Sasha Clark-Waters joining as the Events Organiser.
The aim of this branch is to try and raise funds for the charity, by selling on stalls at shows and fayres around the county, and organising a New Years Ball, in order to raise £5,000 (the estimated cost of training and supporting a dog through it's life, both working and beyond.)
The Team
Chairperson Deborah Rolley-Parnell is deaf and was fortunate to have been given one of the first Hearing Dogs to be placed with a family rather than a single person. Sadly, Cinders passed away in April 2008, at the age of 16. Debs has now got Rosie, her second hearing dog.
Event Organiser Sasha Clark Waters is also deaf and has had the honour of having a Hearing Dog for a short period of time, Dove, who was a fantastic and enthusiastic worker, alerting her to various every day sounds that hearing people take for granted, for example, a doorbell, smoke alarm, children's cries, just to name a few.
Treasurer Lisa Picker is profoundly deaf and has been since birth. She is a animal lover but unfortunately cannot have a dog due to her being allergic to cats and dogs but will fully support the organisation 100% to raise money and help other deaf people. Lisa is a single mum of 4 children and is a hobby breeder of guinea pigs and mini lops rabbits. She enjoys walking, cycling, decorating, DIY, cooking and gardening.
Webmaster and Communication Support Dan Waters is married to Sasha and is experienced with all things IT and telephone based work. Designer of the Derby Hearing Dogs website, and taking telephone calls regarding the Derby Branch of Hearing Dogs, Dan finds time to do a lot of hobbies, DJing, creating landscape pictures which he hopes will be able to sell on the stalls.