They say the biggest gifts come in small boxes

Brenda Billington

2020 was a busy year for hospital workers, who braved the frontline to make sure vulnerable people received the vital care they needed during a most challenging time. Midwife Brenda Billington is one of our healthcare heroes. Putting aside concerns for her personal safety, Brenda continued working at the Rotunda Hospital during the lockdown, helping countless young couples to bring new life to the world. This selfless woman was, and continues to be, an amazing support and comfort to worried parents, colleagues, and everyone she encounters. One would be forgiven for thinking that Brenda’s sunny disposition denotes a carefree life. Truth be told, the last year has brought ill health to Brenda’s parents and parents in laws and placed considerable stress on her family. She’s juggled her career, family life and caring for her elders, and takes it all in her stride. She gives so much of herself to everyone, that there’s not time for self-care. Brenda’s husband, Kevin, wrote to us, explaining that she suffered hearing loss following a diving accident and her hearing ability is deteriorating. He asked us if we would consider her for the gift of hearing because she “hasn’t had the time to pursue treatment”.

Kevin told us “I just want to thank my beautiful wife Brenda” for “helping others and her huge part in helping me through our challenges this year”. We were delighted to oblige and we hope that Brenda’s new hearing aids will help her to hear the most beautiful sound that life has to give – the cry of a new-born baby.

Liam Hayden

Deirdre Whelan nominated her father, Liam, for the #giftofhearing. Liam, who is 88, has overcome some serious health issues, including a stroke and triple by-pass, and he’s had a pacemaker installed. Despite health challenges, Liam is the sole carer of his wife, Margaret. He cooks, cleans, shops and washes, and cooks three meals a day for his beloved wife.
His children make daily zoom calls to check in on their parents; however, Liam's struggling to hear their voices. He’s also having trouble hearing the TV and Radio and the voice of Luke O’Neil, who Deirdre describes as “his new best friend.”
To compound matters, Liam has macular degeneration, which threatens his vision, and requires frequent eye-injections. As his vision is deteriorating, his ability to hear is more important than ever. This brave and resilient man is genuinely deserving of our help and the #giftofhearing. Liam is now wearing new state-of-the-art hearing aids, and we hope they will help him to connect with his family, hear his favourite TV programmes and listen to the voice of his new best friend.

Joan Stundon

Meet Joan, one of our #Giveback recipients! At 62 years of age, Joan Stundon has experienced more suffering than most. She lost her sense of smell and hearing following a brain bleed, necessitating a 7-day stay in a hospital ICU. She’s battled cancer twice and won, and chronic osteoporosis affects her bone strength and stability. Despite these challenges, Joan cares for her husband, who has a disability, her brother, who is wheelchair-bound, and her 5-year-old grandchild. Faced with hardship, many of us turn to alcohol, tobacco, chocolate and other vices for consolation – but not Joan. She’s made significant lifestyle changes for improved health to ensure she can continue to care for her family. She’s quit her 40-a-day smoking habit and lost an incredible 5-stone. Joan misses the everyday sounds we take for granted and can’t afford to buy hearing aids. When her son Jeffrey told us about his mum and asked for our help, we felt compelled to oblige. It’s a pleasure to give the #giftofhearing to this remarkable lady, who spends her life caring for others.