Two deafblind Birmingham residence shortlisted for Everyday Heroes Award

Charity announces twenty-one nominees shortlisted to receive awards, two of the nominees are from Birmingham.

Susan White from Kings Heath, and John Churcher, from Erdington, amongst four other have been nominated for the Sense ‘Deafblind Person of the Year’ Award.

The Sense Awards recognises achievements of those in the deafblind community and people within Sense. The ceremony awards everyday people who have helped Sense raise awareness for the deafblind community, supporting them to live full and active lives.

Sense is a national charity that supports people who are deafblind, have sensory impairments or complex needs, to live more independent lives, as well as helping their families and carers, by providing information and advice.

John, who has Usher Syndrome, a condition which has resulted in him having a hearing and impairment.

The 43-year-old has been ranked third in the world, becoming the first blind person to climb to the summit of the Eiger and selected to be a Paraclimber for the GB team.

He said: “It's amazing to be shortlisted for an award for doing something that I am passionate about.”

Susan, 52, has been recognised for outstanding contribution to a major new £14m disability centre being built by Sense: ‘TouchBase Pears’.

Acting as a champion for the project, Susan participated in a work placement at architects, Glenn Howells, where she carried out research and advised on design, fixtures and fittings. Susan’s contributions to the building include fully accessible bathrooms, and yellow bands around the doors to make them visible to the visually impaired

Sense Chief Executive Gill Morbey said: "People who are deafblind, and those with complex needs, often face major challenges in life. The Sense Awards recognise some of the fantastic achievements of these individuals, as well as the work of the wonderful people who support them. We’d like to congratulate everyone that’s been nominated for an award, and look forward to announcing the winners at the Southbank Centre, in London, on the 10th November.”

The Sense Awards event will be held on 10th November which will be hosted by Paralympian gold medallist Steve Bate at the Southbank Centre in London.

For further information on other nominees and the ceremony Click here.

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