You dug deep to help build centre (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Bradford's Listening for Life Centre now raising funds for equipment

9:35am Monday 4th January 2010 in News By Claire Lomax

Fundraising is continuing in 2010 to further equip a state-of-the-art medical centre in Bradford.

The £2.8 million Listening For Life Centre officially opened last October following two years of fundraising across the district.

The hi-tech facility, in the grounds of Bradford Royal Infirmary, was created after a massive effort by The Ear Trust charity and hundreds of Telegraph & Argus readers who responded to our Listening For Life appeal through a variety of events.

The official opening by The Duke of Gloucester came as the Yorkshire Cochlear Implant Centre celebrated carrying out more than 550 implant operations to help profoundly deaf people, from across the north of England, hear.

Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust’s consultant ear, nose and throat consultant and head of the cochlear implant service Chris Raine was delighted the Duke of Gloucester could open the centre.

Now those who have undergone hearing surgery can learn to cope with their “new” sense.

Mr Raine said: “Cochlear implants can open up a whole new world for patients as they enable deaf patients to hear and the centre is a fantastic facility for patients and their families to be treated in.”

He also praised the work of The Ear Trust, saying: “The charity raised an incredible amount for the centre as they were determined the service would have the best facilities on offer for deaf patients throughout the UK.”

And the charity continues its work raising essential funds to make sure the Listening for Life Centre is equipped with the technology.

For more information go to ear-trust.org.uk, e-mail breeda@eartrust.

org.uk or call (01274) 364853.