Paws for Thought at market hall

PAWS FOR THOUGHT AT MARKET HALL

People visiting Shrewsbury Market Hall later this month are being asked to ‘paws’ for thought as part of a fundraising and awareness event for the Hearing Dogs for Deaf People charity which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year.

On December 14 shoppers will be able to purchase special ‘pupcakes’ which will be available from the Hopesay Glebe Farm barrow.

There will also be a raffle with various prizes on the day, as well as an appearance by hearing dog, Nevis, and his owner Tom Kane, at the Specsavers Hearcare shop where members of the public can ‘paws’ for a coffee and cake. Proceeds will go to the charity.

The Mayor of Shrewsbury, Councillor Keith Roberts will be stopping by at Specsavers at 2pm for a free hearing check which is offered to members of the public on the day.

Tom and Nevis will also be walking around the Market Hall throughout the day, chatting to customers to raise awareness of the charity which trains hearing dogs to alert deaf people to household sounds and danger signals providing a life-changing level of independence, confidence and companionship.

Tom and Nevis saw off stiff competition from across the country to be named winner of the Desmond Wilcox volunteer of the year award at the recent Specsavers Hearing Dog Awards.

Nevis was partnered with Tom in 2003 and, for almost a decade, they have taken it upon themselves to spread the word of the charity that changed Tom’s life.

During 2012 alone, Tom and Nevis have attended over 25 talks and events promoting the work of Hearing Dogs.

Tom is also a lip reading teacher and, in addition, is the chairman of the Hearing Impairment Forum for Shropshire.

He said: "Ever since I was lucky enough to take Nevis home with me, he has changed my life in so many ways. He gives me confidence when in noisy situations by staying calm. He has been my rock for the last eight years and has been my constant companion for that time.

"Nevis is a great ambassador for the Charity. He is loved by all who have met him which includes a great number of groups and associations within the West Midlands, who we have been asked to talk to, and raise awareness and funds for the Charity. Nevis is my best friend, my rock, my life."

For more information about Hearing Dogs for Deaf People visit www.hearingdogs.org.uk

To find out more about Shrewsbury Market Hall see www.markethallshrewsbury.co.uk or find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.