World Hearing Day 2026: £2,155 Raised for RNID After Completing the Taunton Half Marathon
- 21 hours ago
- 2 min read
On Sunday, I completed the Taunton Half Marathon in 1 hour 54 minutes, averaging 5:23 per kilometre.
For someone who doesn’t consider himself a “natural runner”, that feels like a significant personal milestone.
Over the past 17 weeks, I followed a structured training plan, running three times per week alongside running Somerset Hearing and family life. I’m proud to say I only missed one scheduled run during that entire period.
But this wasn’t just about finishing a race.
It was about raising awareness and funds for a cause that sits at the heart of everything we do at Somerset Hearing.
£2,145 Raised for RNID
Together, we’ve raised £2,145 for RNID.
RNID supports people across the UK who are living with hearing loss and tinnitus. Their work includes:
Providing practical advice and support
Campaigning for better access and inclusion
Funding vital research to improve hearing health outcomes
Every day in clinic, I see first-hand how hearing loss can affect confidence, relationships, work, and overall wellbeing. RNID’s work helps ensure people feel supported, informed, and heard.
I am genuinely grateful to everyone who donated. The generosity of our patients and local community means a great deal.
The Power of the Taunton Half Marathon
This year’s Taunton Half Marathon brought together over 2,000 runners, alongside thousands more supporters lining the streets.
I have genuinely never seen Taunton so full — and so positive.
From live music and cheering crowds to families standing outside their homes offering encouragement, the atmosphere was exceptional. It felt less like a race and more like a celebration of community.
Events like this do something powerful for a town. They bring people together, encourage healthier lifestyles, support local charities, and create a real sense of shared momentum.
Being part of that was a privilege.
Why World Hearing Day Makes This Even More Meaningful
Today is World Hearing Day — a global awareness day dedicated to promoting ear and hearing care.
Led annually by the World Health Organization, World Hearing Day highlights:
Early identification of hearing loss
Access to professional hearing care
Reducing stigma around hearing aids
Protecting hearing health throughout life
Marking World Hearing Day by raising funds and awareness for hearing health feels particularly fitting.
Consistency Over Motivation
Like many people, I’ve experienced years of stop-start fitness routines. This time, it was about consistency.
Early mornings. Structured training. Sustainable habits.
Balancing clinic life, family life, and training wasn’t always easy — but it reinforced something I often say to patients:
Small, consistent actions over time lead to meaningful change.
That applies to running — and to hearing care.
If You’d Still Like to Support RNID
The fundraising page remains open.
If you would like to contribute — even a small donation — it would be hugely appreciated:
👉 Donate here:https://www.justgiving.com/page/somerset-hearing
Thank you again for your support — not just of this challenge, but of Somerset Hearing.
Together, we’re helping more people never miss a moment.
—Jon CadeDirector & AudiologistSomerset Hearing
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