11:09am Wednesday 2nd September 2009
A HARD-of-hearing mother-of-two has been crowned the most inspirational in the North West for overcoming her disability to help others.
Julie Ryder, of Bacup, won the regional stage of the national Sound Barrier Star Awards and is now through to the semi-finals after she set up two companies, Hear First and Talk First, born out of her experience of deafness.
She was chosen for her tireless work giving deaf and hard of hearing people training and work experience opportunities, and visits local cub and scout groups to help children learn sign language.
Julie, who was nominated for the awards by her husband Matt, was presented with a trophy at Specsavers, in King William Street, Blackburn.
The competition, run by Specsavers Hearing Centres, in association with Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, recognises those hard of hearing who overcome their disability to go on and achieve great things.
The winner will receive a two-week luxury cruise and £1,500 in vouchers from Specsavers.
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