A MUM whose daughter was born with severe hearing loss has raised thousands of pounds for the charity that has offered vital support.

Helen May wanted to raise money for Lollipop, a local charity that supports deaf and hearing impaired children and their families, because they had made such a difference in her family’s life.

Her daughter Hannah was born in 2011 with severe hearing loss and was given hearing aids when she was just nine weeks old.

Helen said: “From that moment on I embarked upon a journey of discovery aided by a wonderful local charity for children with hearing loss.”

She ran her first marathon in York on Sunday, October 8 and raised £3000, despite not having run for 17 years. Her determination and hard work meant Helen clocked up 480 miles in preparation for the Yorkshire Marathon.

She said: “Running has not only been a life-changing experience for me but has also helped to raise the profile of a local charity which is doing so much to help deaf children in the region.”

More than 90 per cent of deaf children are born to parents with no experience of deafness as in Helen’s experience.

“We had no deafness on either side of the family and despite having an interest in special education, I felt completely at sea. I had so much to learn, on top of everything that came along with being a new mummy.”

With help being offered from friends and colleagues, Helen was amazed at the support and generosity received from the York community.

Hannah helped to make wearable signs, and they attracted a lot of interest from fellow runners and supporters throughout the marathon.

Donations were made from a staff tuck shop at the Higher Education Academy, in York in support of Helen’s run.

Sponsorships and donations are still coming in.

Currently there are more than 500 deaf and hearing impaired children living in York and North Yorkshire, with about 200 supported by Lollipop. A charity spokesman said the money would help pay for free activities and support for children and their families. For more information visit https://www.lollipopyork.org.uk/