I use music to express myself, says deaf teen

Isobel has been practising with her school choir, ahead of a live TV performance

A Cheshire teenager who is deaf in one ear has said she is “really excited” about singing in the Children In Need live show on Friday.

Isobel, 13, from Congleton, is one of 19 youngsters who will perform as part of the Children In Need choir during the show.

During the show, she will be signing as well as singing the lyrics.

“I love music because it’s just a way I can express myself in a different way," Isobel said.

She was born deaf in her left ear and there is a possibility she may lose her hearing entirely.

“Even though it can be hard with my hearing, it’s just so pretty, so beautiful, and it’s just so nice to listen to,” she said.

Isobel has been practising with her school choir, in preparation for the live TV performance.

“Even with the disability she’s got, she somehow finds a way to be the best she can,” her older brother Finley said.

“I’ve got a room next to her, and I can always hear her singing to her favourite songs.”

Isobel’s family is now learning British Sign Language, to ensure she still has a way to communicate if she loses her hearing completely, as part of a project funded by Children In Need.

She said: “I’m really excited to show people how Children In Need have helped me and how I’ve grown my confidence in signing, and how I can share that with other people.

“Now sign language is just a part of my everyday life. I’m learning it, and I’m trying to do my Level One, so I can have that confidence in the future in the fact that there’s secure communication for me.”