A POLICE officer is raising money to help deaf children after being touched by the plight of her boyfriend’s niece.

Joanne Kerly, 24, from Basildon, is hoping to raise £1,500 for the National Deaf Children’s Society by running the London Marathon and holding a black tie event at Langdon Hills Golf and Country Club next month.

She wanted to support the charity after boyfriend Steve Marler’s one-year-old niece Maddie was born with profound hearing loss.

Joanne said: “Maddie’s hearing loss was detected through newborn hearing screening the charity had campaigned for. Because of that, Maddie’s family got all the help they needed and they didn’t have to go looking for it.”

The screening is carried out in the first five weeks of a baby’s life and means children with hearing problems can get the help they need to develop communication and language skills as soon as possible.

The event on Saturday, February 28, will feature a performance from a Frank Sinatra Tribute band, a three course meal and a luxury raffle.

Tickets cost £40 and can be brought from Joanne. Call 07763 631444 or e-mail Steve@ginja-ninja.net