Exeter deafblind girl shortlisted for national award

Chloe Ring, aged eight from Exeter, has been nominated for a ‘Young Person of the Year’ award in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the deafblind community by national disability charity, Sense.

Chloe, who has dual sensory loss, was born profoundly deaf and severely sight impaired. At 14 months old, Chloe underwent a successful cochlear implant surgery which helped her gain her hearing. Since making the brave step to surgery, Chloe has flourished and now attends her local mainstream school, St Leonard’s Primary School in Exeter, where she is becoming a proficient braillist and also recently learnt to swim.

Impressing those around her with her can-do attitude, Chloe’s ‘incredible spirit’ has earned her a nomination as one of the most inspirational young deafblind people in the country at this year’s Sense Awards, which celebrates the achievements of deafblind people and those who support them.

Chloe and her family will attend Sense’s annual award ceremony in London on the 10th November, at the Southbank Centre, to find out if she has won the award.

Jane Ring, Chloe’s mother, said: “We’re thrilled that Chloe has been nominated for Young Person of the Year at this year’s Sense Awards. Our geneticist told us very early on that Chloe couldn’t have been born with worse sight or hearing and we had massive fears for her future.

“However, her cochlear implants have helped her to take advantage of every opportunity she is given. She works incredibly hard every day at school to keep up with her peers, follow what is happening in class and contribute.

“As a family we have been involved with Sense since she was diagnosed deaf and blind at four months old, when our world was sent into chaos. Sense have helped us get the best for Chloe and ensured her needs are understood and responded to. Without this support and advice she would not be thriving the way she is.

“Seeing her learn to swim and make her brownie promise this year were massive achievements for her that show just how much drive and determination she has to achieve her aspirations. She has an incredible spirit and impresses everyone around her with the amazing progress she is constantly making. We couldn’t be prouder of her.”

Sense Chief Executive Gill Morbey said: "People who are deafblind, and those with complex needs, often face major challenges in life.  The Sense Awards recognise some of the fantastic achievements of these individuals, as well as the work of the wonderful people who support them. We’d like to congratulate everyone that’s been nominated for an award, and look forward to announcing the winners at the Southbank Centre, in London, on the 10th November.”