Lord Ashley of Stoke - Deafness Research UK

Jack became profoundly deaf in 1967, the year after he entered Parliament. For most people, this would have put paid to a career in politics but Jack refused to allow his deafness to hold him back and he became an inspirational role model, not only for deaf people but for all disabled people.

 

Together with his wife Pauline, Jack campaigned bravely and tirelessly on behalf of those with disabilities, particularly deaf people and, in 1985, they founded Deafness Research UK (then known as the Hearing and Speech Trust).

 

Jack said later that they had realised the amazing potential of medical research after attending a conference at which scientists talked about the possibility of curing deafness by regenerating the cells in the inner ear. At the time deafness was alone amongst the major disabilities in having no charity dedicated to raising the funds necessary for this sort of groundbreaking work and they were determined to fill that gap.

 

In 1994 Jack had a cochlear implant operation which restored much of his hearing. He said that he always thought of the implant as his little miracle but knew that it was really the product of many years of research by skilled scientists and, from then on, he campaigned for the charity with even greater determination than before.

 

Jack was a truly inspirational man who will be much missed and our thoughts are with his family at this sad time.”

 

Vivienne Michael, Chief Executive, Deafness Research UK