Poppy’s story
"The Elizabeth Foundation taught me so much about communication and helped prepare me for school."
Poppy's story
"We found out about The Elizabeth Foundation and it was just a great, fantastic place to be. Poppy just loved to go..." This film was produced by BBC Children in Need and includes video filmed by our Digital Media Manager during Poppy's time at The Elizabeth Foundation in our Baby, Toddler and Preschool classes.
Play videoPoppy’s story
We first featured Poppy’s story (as told by her parents) over ten years ago in our Winter 2013 Listen! newsletter. We are absolutely delighted to be able to share with you an update from Poppy, who is now at secondary school.
Poppy’s update
“I was diagnosed as being profoundly deaf when I was just 6 months old. First, they tried hearing aids but they were too weak and I couldn’t hear anything. When I was 11 months old, I had a 6 hour operation to be fitted with cochlear implants. I was first able to hear at 12 months.
“Fast forward a few years and The Elizabeth Foundation changed my life. The Elizabeth Foundation taught me so much about communication and helped prepare me for school.
“The Elizabeth Foundation provided me with so many memories such as the toothbrush train, Christmas parties and support that still benefits me. When I was five, I even starred in a Children in Need film about The Elizabeth Foundation, which helped me to see what I had accomplished.
“There is no way I would be where I am without The Elizabeth Foundation’s help and support.
“Right now, I have gorgeous friends who help me see who I am and they let me be myself, and I hope they can be themselves around me. I have lots of hobbies such as gymnastics, netball and aerial skills.
“Sometimes it’s hard being deaf, but you need to focus on the positive stuff and I don’t let anything hold me back.”