A CAMPAIGNING Kidderminster pensioner has been honoured for her dedicated work in supporting people who have suffered hearing loss.

Retired Kidderminster middle school teacher Kathleen Hill has been devoting her time to helping out at the Kidderminster branch of Action on Hearing Loss as a volunteer.

And it 74-year-old’s commitment to helping people confronted with deafness, tinnitus and hearing loss that saw her presented with the charity’s National Passion in Action award by chief executive Paul Breckell.

Since becoming a volunteer, Kathleen has taken part in demonstrations as part of the charity’s campaign against the first ever cuts to NHS hearing aid services as well as doing media interviews.

Kathleen said: “I’m delighted to be awarded such a prestigious honour for volunteering for Action on Hearing Loss.

“Working with people with hearing loss and so many wonderful people at Action on Hearing Loss has helped highlight difficulties that many people face.

“Hearing aids are immensely helpful even to those with so called ‘mild’ hearing loss. When I put mine in it is like the sound equivalent of fog lifting. Without hearing aids speech is just a blur.”

Kelly Broome, Action on Hearing Loss’ Volunteer Manager, said: “Volunteers like Kathleen are indispensable to Action on Hearing Loss helping us support, campaign and raise awareness of the work that the charity does up and down the UK.

“We are delighted to be able to honour Kathleen for her tireless effort and enthusiasm. All of our star volunteers not only show their commitment by dedicating their time to the charity, they also bring a range of diverse skills and boundless energy that are so vital to our success.”

Action on Hearing Loss is currently seeking volunteers for a wide-range of activities, such as fundraising and supporting hearing aid wearers.

For information, people can contact Action on Hearing Loss Volunteer Resource Manager Kelly Broome on telephone 01273 840960 or email volunteering@hearingloss.org.uk