A huge thanks, but centre still needs funding! (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Bradford centre still needs specialist equipment

9:25am Friday 16th October 2009 in News By Claire Lomax

Two years ago the Telegraph & Argus launched the Listening for Life Appeal to help make the vision of a dedicated cochlear implant centre a reality.

The Ear Trust had already secured £1million of funding and through the T&A appealed to the people of Bradford and beyond to help them raise £1.5million needed to created the new centre.

Thanks to the dedication of a Bradford ENT consultant, Chris Raine, who introduced cochlear implant surgery to Bradford in 1990, the Yorkshire Cochlear Implant Service had grown in to a multi-disciplined organisation within the auspices of the hospital, where not only the operations were carried out but also follow-up tests, education and therapy.

It was Mr Raine’s dream to replace cramped accommodation within BRI with a dedicated centre to bring together the different strands of the rapidly-growing service into one smoothly-running, hi-tech facility where those who have undergone hearing surgery – especially children – could learn to cope with their “new” sense, recover and receive therapy.

Former Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Robin Owens, made the Listening for Life Appeal one of his official charities for the mayoral year and local businesses, schools, organisations and individuals backed the appeal, helping turn the dream into a reality, inspired by patients’ stories.

People also sponsored stones in the new building, which are still available online at www.justgiving .com/sponsorastone Significant funds – around £300,000 – are still needed to complete equipping the centre with the very latest in screening and diagnostic technology, to enable profoundly-deaf people achieve their full potential.

For more information on The Ear Trust contact Breeda Barry on (01274) 364853 or 07815 753677, e-mail breeda@eartrust.org.uk or visit ear-trust.org.uk