The walk of friendship: Inner Wheel District 18 Clubs Raise £855 to Support Local Deaf Communities
Thursday, 1st May 2025 saw the ladies of the Inner Wheel and friends complete a sponsored walk in aid of District 18 President, Carole Hille’s Charity of the Year. A fantastic £855 has been raised so far through various fundraising activities, including the sponsored walk bravely completed by a group of dedicated ladies on what was the hottest day of the year! These funds will go towards creating BSL resources for the families of deaf children across the region.
In November 2024, Merseyside Society for Deaf People’s (MSDP) Chief Executive Officer Joanne Parr was honoured to be invited by Carole Hille to light the ‘candle of friendship’ at a meeting of the Inner Wheel District 18. Joanne and MSDP’s Community Engagement Manager Janice Connolly spoke about the vital work of MSDP in addressing the inequalities faced by people who are deaf or have hearing loss. Janice also shared her personal story, reflecting on her experience growing up as the only Deaf person in a hearing family. She spoke movingly about developing her Deaf identity and the crucial importance of access to British Sign Language (BSL).
The charity wishes to express heartfelt thanks to all the clubs in District 18 for their generosity and support throughout Carole’s presidential year. MSDP’s CEO Joanne Parr comments: “We are grateful to the Carole and the Inner Wheel for their support, not only for their tireless and creative fundraising activities; but importantly for their efforts in raising awareness of the inequalities and barriers that deaf people face every day. Attending an Inner Wheel meeting, I was deeply moved by the powerful bonds of friendship and truly inspired by the remarkable work and dedication of an extraordinary group of women.”
