Published in The Courier August 2008
Transcript - Felicity's story earns a 'Hearo Award'
By Kiri Olney
By sharing her inspirational story and providing information, Felicity Bleckly of Ironbank has received the inaugural Hearo Award from Cochlear Limited for her efforts towards improving hearing health in Australia.
Five years ago Mrs Bleakly's (sic) life was completely transformed. Having lived in silence for 20 years, the then 52-year-old had a cochlear implant which enabled her to hear once again.
Since regaining her hearing, the mother of three has devoted her time to helping hearing impaired people.
Joining the Cochlear Awareness Network, a group of volunteers who have all had their hearing restored, Mrs Bleakly (sic) gives regular presentations about her story of living without sound and how having the cochlear implant had changed her life.
Losing her job and unable to find employment, Mrs Bleakly (sic) said that living with deafness was very isolating.
"It's much more than not being able to hear, it's a social issue," she said.
"Cochlear has given me my life back."
Piano performance
Conducting 31 presentations to various community and church groups and schools so far this year, Mrs Bleakly (sic) includes a piano performance in her visits, another important part of her life she was able to gain back with her hearing.
In her dedication to improved hearing health, Mrs Bleakly (sic) also consults hearing-impaired peole who are considering having a cochlear implant.
She also finds time to be the deafness editor of the 'Bella Online' website where she writes articles about various issues affecting deaf people.
According to Shaun Hand, the general manager of Australia and NZ for Cochlear, Mrs Bleckly has made an outstanding contribution to hearing awareness.
"For many years now, Felicity has presented to diverse audiences across SA on her personal story and the solutions available for the hearing impaired," he said.
"We are extremely proud of her."
While Mrs Bleakly (sic) said she was initially apprehensive about sharing her story to the public, after receiving such positive feedback from listeners, it is now something she enjoys very much. "To help other people is amazing," she said. "It's really fantastic."