Young Partnership of the Year 2017

Devoted hearing dog Varley has received the Young Partnership of the Year Award for bringing security and friendship, and an end to sleepless nights and isolation, to his 11-year-old deaf recipient Daniel Jillings from Suffolk.

The three-year-old black Labrador was awarded for being such a wonderful companion to Daniel, bringing the youngster independence and confidence while taking away the stress and anxiety that deafness can bring.

In particular Daniel experienced debilitating sleepless nights which left him exhausted. With Varley by his bedside, Daniel now enjoys peaceful and reassured sleep leaving him feeling like a different child, much more able to concentrate at school and making family life all the more enjoyable.

Daniel’s mum Anne said:

“Daniel previously suffered terrible nights with a sense of isolation and a debilitating fear of going to bed alone in the family house.

“He used to get very scared at night when everyone else was downstairs, but from the moment we had Varley, things changed. Within days, he was sleeping properly.”

Daniel picks up the story: “When Varley arrived it was so much better. I felt safe. I could lie down in bed and know that he Varley was near me.

“I don’t have hearing aids so people think I can hear and they just talk at me. When Varley arrived and was out wearing his uniform people then realised I was deaf.

“Sometimes if I go into a shop and pay the people will sign ‘thank you’ to me. They see Varley and they know that I’m deaf.

“I feel so proud of Varley.” 

Find out how you can help

Without the incredible genorosity of our supporters, we would never be able to help deaf children like Daniel.

Here are a few ways you can help continue this life-changing work. Thank you.