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Deafblind Shannon is a knockout with generous boxing fans
OVERWHELMED by the plight of a deafblind schoolgirl, the city's boxing fans have raised thousands of pounds to purchase a piece of equipment that will transform the 11-year-old's life.
OVERWHELMED by the plight of a deafblind schoolgirl, the city's boxing fans have raised thousands of pounds to purchase a piece of equipment that will transform the 11-year-old's life.They dug deep after hearing the story of Shannon Fassler, who was diagnosed with hearing loss aged three and registered blind six months ago.
With the gradual deterioration of both senses, Shannon's mother Wendy hoped that a state-of-the-art machine that can turn the written word into Braille would enable Shannon to continue her education.
However, affording the four-figure price tag seemed an insurmountable task – that was until city promoter Kevin Sanders and long-time charity fund-raiser Chris Groome, both friends of Wendy, offered their services.
Their pledge of support culminated in a fund-raiser at the Marriott Hotel, featuring world boxing champion David Haye, attended by 180 business people from the city.
Mr Sanders said the audience "sat in silence" as Shannon's story was read aloud.
Then, in an astonishing response, 10,000 was donated to Shannon, enough for the specialist equipment and more – the rest will be paid into a trust fund.
Speaking after the event, Wendy, of Welbourne, Werrington, Peterborough, said: "It was an amazing response. Never in my wildest dreams did I expect so much money to be raised. I'm so grateful."
Mr Sanders said: "The fact that Shannon was there and people could see the challenges she faces had a great effect on them."
Mr Groome (57), from Newborough, said: " It was an emotional evening, everyone had tears in their eyes.
"Shannon's story was just so emotional. It was a fantastic evening and everyone who dug deep to support Shannon should be proud."
Shannon, who was born with normal hearing and vision, suffers from the rarest form of Usher syndrome. There is no treatment available for it, but research is taking place at universities in Europe and the USA.
Wendy said Shannon's vision was tested in December, revealing that her sight, like her hearing, was failing.
She said: "Her vision began to deteriorate very quickly and she was obviously shocked and upset. It was frightening for her, but her reaction has been extraordinary.
"The machine will enable her to use the internet and read e-books.
"When she tells me about her future, sometimes she says she wants to be a waitress, sometimes she wants to help other children in the same situation and sometimes she wants to work for Sense to promote awareness of deafblind people. Like a typical 11-year-old, she goes trampolining on Saturdays and enjoys swimming."
Shannon currently attends Middleton Primary School, in Bretton, but is due to start at The Mary Hare School for the Deaf, in Newbury, Berkshire, in September.
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Friday 25 May 2012
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