Today Worcester Warriors Rugby Star Mat Gilbert, the UK’s only professional deaf sportsman, was unveiled as an Ambassador for Action on Hearing Loss, formerly RNID, to support the charity while fundraisers bolted up the iconic BT Tower to raise vital funds for crucial projects that help transform the lives of the 10 million people with hearing loss in the UK.
Following a man of the match try scoring debut for Worcester Warriors last Saturday, Mat greeted hundreds of energetic fundraisers who had the unique chance to scale the exhilarating heights of the 842-step communication tower and enjoy the scintillating views of the capital’s skyline.
Mat said: ‘I’m ecstatic to be unveiled as an Ambassador for Action on Hearing Loss and I can’t wait to help the charity with its ground breaking projects. It’s been brilliant to see hundreds of enthusiastic people challenge themselves by climbing up the BT Tower today.
‘I was born with bilateral sensorineural hearing loss and have worn hearing aids since I was five years old. I never let being deaf get in the way of my dream of playing professional rugby and hope that I can inspire people with a hearing loss to fulfil their goals and make the most of their potential.’
‘I’ve played rugby in Wales, Italy and England – which presented different communication challenges with my lip-reading skills being tested! I hope that I can bring rugby to people who thought it was out of their reach by coaching deaf and hearing youngsters together. I believe passionately about inclusive sport.’
Action on Hearing Loss Chief Executive Paul Breckell said: ‘We are delighted that Mat has become an Ambassador for Action on Hearing Loss – he’s an inspiration, showing that deaf people shouldn’t have to limit their life goals and can fulfil their aspirations – whatever they may be. We’re really looking forward to working with Mat to continue to support the one in six people in the UK that have some form of hearing loss.’
