Cycling for Children in Need | Sarah's story

March 8th marks International Women’s Day, a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women everywhere. 

At TrustedHousesitters, we're proud to have so many incredible and caring women in our community. That's why, this International Women’s Day, we’re celebrating the achievements of some of the women in our community who, through volunteering and giving back, are helping to make the world a better place for people and animals alike.

However, we know there are many more stories to be told, which is why this Women’s History Month, we’re asking you to get in touch. 

Sarah from Hillingdon, UK, was born profoundly deaf due to an infection as a baby. But with a little help from a very special dog, she soon discovered that she could overcome any challenge. This is her story.

For Sarah’s mum, Sapedeh, it quickly became apparent as her child grew up that she wasn’t responding to sounds like the other children her age were. After consultations and examinations, it was discovered that Sarah had been born profoundly deaf.

In her early years, Sarah was fitted with a cochlear implant which helped to improve her hearing, but communication and everyday life was still a daily struggle for Sarah, who felt isolated, lacked confidence and struggled to make friends.

But that all changed when, aged nine, Sarah was paired up with a very special little dog, one, who — in Sarah’s words — would go on to change her life completely...

“I found life very difficult before I met Waffle, I felt isolated and lonely but Waffle completely changed my life and I feel so lucky to have her.”

Sarah was assigned her hearing dog, Waffle, by Hearing Dogs for the Deaf. Now, Waffle acts as Sarah’s ears and has helped her to become the confident, independent young person she is today. 

Much more than just a family pet, Waffle's strong bond and unwavering friendship with Sarah led to her being one of the inspirational pets to be awarded a TrustedHousesitters pet plaque in 2018.

This year has been challenging for most, least of all deaf people like Sarah, who, as mum Sapedeh notes, heavily relies on lip-reading.

“Being deaf and wearing masks is a big challenge for deaf people who rely on being able to lip read. She now wears a mask that says “I lip read”, which has helped a lot. Having Waffle in full uniform has also helped people to see that she is deaf.”

In 2020, Sarah’s confidence and determination led to her taking part in the BBC’s Rickshaw Challenge for Children In Need. Taking on the 332-mile trek, Sarah and her team completed the mammoth challenge from home using static bikes, with the team not only completing their target — but exceeding it, by almost 500 miles, helping to raise £4,750,819 for Children In Need in the process. 

“Taking on something like the Rickshaw Challenge is something I would have never dreamed of doing before I met Waffle, but now I know that I can do this. I hope that my story helps to inspire other young people like me.” 

Sarah is now studying media at college, where she dreams of becoming a journalist for the BBC one day. And yes, she always has her trusty cockapoo, Waffle, by her side during classes!

Many thanks to Sarah and her mum, Sapedeh, for sharing their story. We wish Sarah the very best in her studies! 

Read more stories from the inspiring women of TrustedHousesitters…

Building an online community | Read Vanessa’s story

Animal rescue in Spain | Read Jill’s story

Building an orphanage | Read Amanda’s story

Volunteering around the world | Read Debra’s story