Edward Egan started volunteering at UCLH after becoming deaf and being a patient at the Royal National Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital. He wanted to make a difference to other deaf patients and applied to become a front of house volunteer at the hospital so he could welcome people using British Sign Language (BSL).

Edward has also been providing free, weekly BSL sessions for hearing members of staff at the Royal National Ear Nose and Throat Hospital. He helps out behind the scenes supporting doctors and students understand hearing loss. 

Edward said: “My deafness has changed my life completely. It has made me more aware of communication towards deaf and hearing people."

“I had feedback from some deaf patients and they told me the hospital where I volunteer has improved so much though deaf awareness and better communication."