Story added: 13th June 2022

Christopher Woodcock shares his story following a procedure that has changed his quality of life

Run Norwich is typically one of the biggest races of the year for East-Anglia runners, but for Christopher, this year’s race presents an experience that has been 37 years in the making.

“I was born in 1984. When I turned one, I contracted German measles, which subsequently made me go deaf in both ears. I was completely deaf in one ear and had only 15% in the other ear”, Chris told us.

“It wasn’t until three years ago that I was able to go for a cochlear ear implant. I was due to go before Covid hit, but lockdowns stopped me having my appointments.”

After 37 years of waiting and coping with severe hearing difficulties, Chris was able to secure the life-changing hearing aid this year.

“On the 15th of March 2022, my life changed when I finally received my cochlear ear implant!

“It is a dream come true, to finally hear all these things I have never heard before and hear the voices of family and friends. My Run Norwich 10k will be my first race since receiving the implant.”

Chris’s race this year will be like no other he has ever participated in – for the first time, being able to hear the cheers, whistles and positive encouragement that comes at such an event.

“It will be hard as it’s not long since my surgery and hard to adjust to all these new sounds, but I believe I can do it. I can finally hear people cheering me on!”

Despite these difficulties, Chris’s running journey has been far from lonely, thanks to an incredible support cast at his local running club in Lowestoft.

“I would like to thank the Lowestoft Road running club for all their support these past four years. They have been so supportive and caring to me. I have never felt any different to them and they have been amazing.

“Thank you for reading my journey. This is the start of a new and exciting one for me and I am looking forward it.”