Deaf Teen Finds Expression Through Music, Set to Perform in Children In Need Show

A teenager from Cheshire, who experiences deafness in one ear, has conveyed her “really excited” anticipation for her performance in the Children In Need live show scheduled for Friday. Isobel, a 13-year-old from Congleton, is among 19 young individuals selected to perform as a member of the Children In Need choir during the event. Her performance during the show will involve both signing and singing the lyrics. Isobel stated, “I love music because it’s just a way I can express myself in a different way.” She was born with deafness in her left ear, and there is a potential future scenario where she might experience complete hearing loss. She remarked, “Even though it can be hard with my hearing, it’s just so pretty, so beautiful, and it’s just so nice to listen to.” Isobel has been rehearsing with her school choir, preparing for the upcoming live television performance. Her older brother, Finley, commented, “Even with the disability she’s got, she somehow finds a way to be the best she can.” He added, “I’ve got a room next to her, and I can always hear her singing to her favourite songs.” Isobel’s family is currently acquiring British Sign Language, a measure taken to guarantee her continued ability to communicate should she experience total hearing loss, as part of an initiative supported by Children In Need. She expressed, “I’m really excited to show people how Children In Need have helped me and how I’ve grown my confidence in signing, and how I can share that with other people.” She further added, “Now sign language is just a part of my everyday life. I’m learning it, and I’m trying to do my Level One, so I can have that confidence in the future in the fact that there’s secure communication for me.” For updates, follow BBC Stoke & Staffordshire across BBC Sounds, Facebook, X, and Instagram. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding our policy on external linking is available.