Run For Deaf Aotearoa

On November 3rd, 2024 I will be running the Auckland Marathon to raise money for Deaf Aotearoa.

This organisation is special to me, I grew up with two deaf grandparents. My late Nana, Maree Carroll contributed hugely yet humbly to the New Zealand Deaf Community. She was a pioneer in establishing the Manawatu Deaf Society and in 2005 she was awarded a Queen’s Service Medal in the Queen’s Birthday Honours for her service towards the Deaf community.

In 2015 I taught myself some New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) and taught lessons among my peers to raise funds for the Deaf Unit at Freyberg High School in the Manawatu. As an adult now, I am committing to learning NZSL more extensively as I don’t think that enough effort is being made to support the language and community in our country. I want to be able to continue my Nana’s legacy and act as a representative for the Deaf in my future career.

Deaf Aotearoa does not receive the support it should and rely on the fundraising efforts of many to keep their services open and operating. This year I am concentrating my efforts on fundraising to support and empower this community as best I can. I am committing to the 42km distance to raise awareness for this cause and would appreciate your support!

For more information on the work of my late Nana, feel free to read the following:

https://signdna.org/biography/elizabeth-maree-carroll-qsm/