National Charity enters the Arena as BBC profiles Sir George Martin CBE

7 April 2011

National Charity Deafness Research UK will be in the Arena spotlight this Easter weekend, as the celebrated BBC documentary series profiles the astonishing life and work of the charity’s own Vice President, and possibly the greatest record producer of all time, Sir George Martin, CBE.

Sir George has worked tirelessly for the cause of Deafness Research UK since his own hearing began to deteriorate; his status as a legendary music producer makes him a natural choice to be featured on one of the BBC’s longest running flagship programmes dedicated to the Arts, following in the footsteps of other famous figures such as Bob Dylan, TS Elliot and Peter Sellers.

As well as reviewing his lengthy musical career, the documentary includes a sequence about Sir George’s deafness, the impact it has had on his life and his work for Deafness Research UK - depicting his key role within the charity since 2001. The programme also features Professor McAlpine, Director of the UCL Ear Institute and his groundbreaking work on the brain’s role in tinnitus – work that Deafness Research UK has helped to fund.

Vivienne Michael, Chief Executive at Deafness Research UK said: “It’s been a real pleasure to work with Sir George. This programme promises to be a fascinating insight into the man behind some of the most influential music ever produced and will I’m sure give the public an entertaining and informative glimpse, not only of one of the most remarkable figures of the 20th century, but provide an insight into the world of deafness research too.”

The producers followed Sir George during some of the engagements he performs on the charity’s behalf. Last year this included an exclusive evening interview event followed by an auction of Beatles memorabilia that raised over £26,500. He also gave an inspiring speech at a recent ‘Meet the Scientists’ event about his personal experience of hearing loss and the need to spread the message about hearing preservation.
 
“Deafness Research UK does a wonderful job in raising awareness of the present day problems associated with loud noise,” said Sir George, who suffers from progressive hearing loss and tinnitus and has two hearing aids. “I am forever telling young ones to lower the volume when they listen to music and it’s a message that needs to be spread far and wide.”
 
For information on deafness and deafness-related conditions e-mail or visit Deafness Research UK’s website at www.deafnessresearch.org.uk
 
ENDS

Notes to editors
 
About Deafness Research UK

• Deafness Research UK is the country’s only charity dedicated to finding new cures, treatments and technologies for deaf, hard of hearing and other hearing impaired people.
• The charity supports high quality medical research into the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of all forms of hearing impairment including tinnitus.
• The Deafness Research UK Advisory Service provides free information and advice based on the latest scientific evidence and informed by leading experts. The Advisory Service can be contacted on Freephone 0808 808 2222
• For more information on research into deafness, tinnitus and other hearing conditions, log on to the website at www.deafnessresearch.org.uk where you can access a wide range of information. Alternatively you can e-mail Deafness Research UK at
• One in seven people in the UK – almost nine million people - suffer hearing loss.
• Deafness Research UK was founded in 1985 by Lord (Jack) and Lady Ashley of Stoke.
• In January 2008, Action for Tinnitus Research (ATR) was linked with Deafness Research UK under a uniting direction order under section 96(6) of the Charities Act 1993.

 
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Jon Gardner,BeyondPR. www.beyondpr.co.uk Mobile 07930 697773. Direct line 0114 275 6996. e-mail:
 
Ref: DRUK0344 – ARENA documentary features DRUK
 
www.deafnessresearch.org.uk