My name is Eddie Croft and I met Sue in 1996 - it was the first time I had contact with a hard of hearing person. It took me a while to get used to it and to adjust my attention when talking, particularly in a group. As our relationship developed, I became her weekly link with her two daughters when they rang up as Sue could not hear over the phone.
In 2000, Sue was invited to attend the implant programme at Nottingham and I went with her to each assessment session, so that I could have a better understanding of what was going on - I found the sessions very interesting and it was good support for Sue.
When she was offered the Implant, I was so pleased for her, whilst also feeling apprehensive about what she would have to go through. We held a meeting with her two daughters to ascertain: a) Should Sue have the implant and b) Which processor to choose.
In September 2002, Sue had the implant and we have never looked back since as the result was tremendous. We both worked very hard during the first few months to 'master' the exercises that were given to enable Sue to take full advantage of her new hearing facility - in my opinion this level of support is essential for maximum success.
It has changed our lives for the better and Sue no longer needs me for the phone link to her daughters as she now does it all herself.
The continued support from Nottingham hearing centre has been tremendous as has the connection to the Contact Network also.
I was so pleased with the success of the implant for Sue and the life change it gave us that in November 2007, I married the recipient!!!