Special visitor

Matthew English is an 8 year old child from Kent who has the condition microtia . This means that Matthew has no hearing at all in one ear and limited hearing in the other. He wears Hearing Aids and he and his teachers use a special radio controlled unit in class to help him to hear the lessons better.

He started to raise deaf awareness and  fund raising for the Hearing Fund UK after he was bullied at school for his condition. He has raised thousands of pounds, done TV and newspaper interviews and has even been to Parliament to speak to MPs about the lack of provision for children with hearing issues  in schools.

Matthew and his mum have always enjoyed Folk Music and it was his dearest wish to play the violin after watching his favourite Folk Bands. However ,he was told that would be impossible  because he is deaf.  Then  The Hearing Fund UK found out what  Matthew wanted to do and they have funded his specialist Violin tuition. He has made great progress  and has just passed his Grade One violin exam with a distinction!

Matthew spent two days at Bishop Martin in April 2014. Matthew played his violin, lead an assembly joined nearly every class in their lessons, really enjoyed the school dinners and played out with our children. He loved Bishop Martin school and wishes he could come here all the time.

 Matthew  helped us all to understand what it is like to be a child with a hearing loss and he inspired us all to use the gifts we have to our best ability.