A KIND-HEARTED runner raised more than £470 in memory of his father by taking part in two tough fitness challenges.
Tony Edwards conquered the Tough Mudder South West in Badminton, South Gloucestershire, last month, before completing Sunday’s Worcester City 10K.
Tony raised £472 for Deaf Direct who provided his deaf father with British sign language interpreters throughout his life. He died in February.
The money will help the Lowesmoor-based charity to provide 47 hours of information and advice for those facing hearing loss, or fund 15 hours of translation services for British sign language users.
“Both of my parents have been profoundly deaf from birth and over the years Deaf Direct has supported them with lots of different things, including providing BSL interpreters at doctor’s appointments and hospital appointments,” said Tony.
“BSL is my parents’ first language, so it’s important that they have highly trained and skilled interpreters who can translate complex terms from English to BSL.
“I wanted to make my father as proud as possible by raising as much money as I could for a great charity which helped him throughout his life.
“I really enjoyed the Tough Mudder and the Worcester City 10K. I’m looking forward to trying more challenges now, including another Tough Mudder next year,” he said.
Sarah Hindley, Deaf Direct’s fundraising manager, said: “We’re grateful for the support of people such as Tony who take on challenges to raise funds for us. Without these vital funds, we could not help deaf and hard of hearing people who need us, like Tony’s family.
“This year is Deaf Direct’s 90th anniversary and with increasing demand for our services, we need more fundraisers to come forward to help. Hearing loss is invisible, but Tony and all of our fundraisers are making sure that the person isn’t.”
The charity’s singing and sign language choir, Good Vibrations, is hosting a concert with the Worcester Ukulele Club on November 10 at St Paul’s church.
The event starts at 7.30pm and tickets cost £8.
Call Deaf Direct on 01905 746301 for more information.
