Support Connor's Deaflympic 2021 Dream
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My name is Connor Ahern. I am 20 years old and born in Durban, South Africa but I have lived in London, for the last six months. I am proud to have dual nationality, and am actively pursuing my dream of competing in the Deaflympics 2021.
I was born suffering from persistent foetal circulation with a life threatening condition in new born babies with a low expectation of survival, after spending five weeks in intensive care, I not only left the hospital, having had half a kidney removed, I had also lost my hearing.
Fast forward 18 years and another life altering event took place during the night of the 20th August 2017 a fire broke out at my friend Jason’s home while I was visiting. Due to the nature of my burns and the smoke inhalation I was put into an induced coma for 24 hours. After three surgeries, eight days in IUC and eleven days in a general ward, I was released on the 7th September. That was two years ago, and in between more heartache was to follow, my best friend Jason passed away, so I want to dedicate my vision for the future to the both of us, past, present and the future…
Even before the starting gun sounds my journey is full of obstacles. Communication, is a massive obstacle for me. I live with my older brother Declan in London but we communicate using South African Sign Language. The Deaf Community in the UK use British Sign Language (BSL), to fully integrate into Society I must be able to communicate in BSL which will allow me to talk with other deaf people but also use BSL Interpreters to communicate with hearing people.
Its a hurdle but I’ve had plenty of those and I’m still fighting! With the correct support, I can focus on training for Triathlon competitions and enjoying the journey I’m on!
With your donations I will be able to purchase equipment, training, flights, accommodation and much needed sign language support. The funds will give me the opportunity to participate within top level competition, so thank you and watch your back I will be running, cycling or swimming all over London. Keep your eyes peeled...
I was born suffering from persistent foetal circulation with a life threatening condition in new born babies with a low expectation of survival, after spending five weeks in intensive care, I not only left the hospital, having had half a kidney removed, I had also lost my hearing.
Fast forward 18 years and another life altering event took place during the night of the 20th August 2017 a fire broke out at my friend Jason’s home while I was visiting. Due to the nature of my burns and the smoke inhalation I was put into an induced coma for 24 hours. After three surgeries, eight days in IUC and eleven days in a general ward, I was released on the 7th September. That was two years ago, and in between more heartache was to follow, my best friend Jason passed away, so I want to dedicate my vision for the future to the both of us, past, present and the future…
Even before the starting gun sounds my journey is full of obstacles. Communication, is a massive obstacle for me. I live with my older brother Declan in London but we communicate using South African Sign Language. The Deaf Community in the UK use British Sign Language (BSL), to fully integrate into Society I must be able to communicate in BSL which will allow me to talk with other deaf people but also use BSL Interpreters to communicate with hearing people.
Its a hurdle but I’ve had plenty of those and I’m still fighting! With the correct support, I can focus on training for Triathlon competitions and enjoying the journey I’m on!
With your donations I will be able to purchase equipment, training, flights, accommodation and much needed sign language support. The funds will give me the opportunity to participate within top level competition, so thank you and watch your back I will be running, cycling or swimming all over London. Keep your eyes peeled...
Organizer
Connor Ahern
Organizer
England
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