Duchess of Devonshire visits our offices in Sheffield

We were delighted to welcome our Patron, the Duchess of Devonshire, who came to Sheffield to visit us at our offices today.

The Duchess, who has been our Patron for the past 15 years, spent her time talking to our helpline advisers about the types of calls they deal with every day, reading about the different ways we help over a million people with tinnitus each year and discussing future plans with our new Chief Executive, Deanne Thomas including the eagerly anticipated Tinnitus Biobank.

On her visit the Duchess said:
“As someone with tinnitus, I truly understand the great value the organisation offers. Everyone’s tinnitus is unique to them, and for some it can be overwhelming and debilitating. But to know that there is someone out there – like Tinnitus UK – who understands what you may be experiencing is a great comfort. Their staff are knowledgeable, compassionate and caring. And it is vital that this service is always available for as long as there is tinnitus. I am also excited to learn about the plans for a Tinnitus Biobank and the potential this has for being a step change in tinnitus research. It is important that research like this be suitably funded so that inroads can be made towards finding a cure.”

Deanne Thomas, Tinnitus UK Chief Executive said:
“We are grateful for all the support we have received from the Duchess of Devonshire over the years. I was honoured to show her all the hard work our staff and volunteers put in to make the lives of those with tinnitus that bit better. Our free tinnitus helpline – which is the only helpline in the UK dedicated to helping those with tinnitus – is a lifeline for those with tinnitus. We have 50 people contacting us every day, but we know there are still more people out there that need our help. Hopefully those struggling with their tinnitus, will see this visit and call us.”