Police officer runs the London marathon for deaf children

Joanne Kerly from Basildon has pledged to raise £1,500 for the National Deaf Children's Society (NDCS) by taking part in the Flora London Marathon on 26 April 2009.

The police officer with Essex will be running the gruelling 26.2 miles (42km) to raise money to support deaf children and their families.

Joanne has embarked on the challenge together with her friend David whose daughter, Maddie, was born with profound hearing loss. "Maddie's hearing loss was detected through Newborn Hearing Screening that NDCS had campaigned for", -says Joanne. "The charity provides families with clear information relating to deafness at all levels. I want to raise money for NDCS in order to ensure their work can continue".

Joanne will be holding a black tie charity event for 150 guests on 28th February 2009 at Langdon Hills Golf and Country Club in Bulphan, Essex. Tickets are priced at £40 per person and attractions of the night include: a 3 course meal, Frank Sinatra Tribute band, a raffle and an auction with prizes including a Gordon Ramsay dinner for 6.

Helen Lerwill, NDCS Head of Events, commented: "Every day in the UK three babies are born deaf and 90 per cent are born to hearing parents with little experience of deafness. NDCS is the national charity dedicated to creating a world without barriers for deaf children. NDCS is funded almost entirely through public donations. None of our work would be possible without the commitment of people like Joanne."

To pledge your support please visit:
www.justgiving.com/joannekerly1

You too could take part in a running event for the NDCS. To find out more on running events and challenges both in the UK and overseas call the NDCS challenge team on 0870 774 2444 or visit: www.ndcschallenges.org.uk