Burton Joyce teen with hearing loss, aged 15, to record abroad
The contest involved submitting a short "jingle" script which promoted healthy living.
His mum, Sarah, said she knew Freddie would require "special needs" because of complications during and after birth, including single umbilical artery syndrome.However, she said that it did not worry her."The irony is that I'm actually an audiologist, so I'm working with people with hearing loss all the time. So for me, it didn't really faze me," Sarah said."He's always been more determined than ever to prove that just because he has these special needs and has to wear hearing aids, it won't stand in the way of him achieving."Sarah added that the opportunity to fly to the United States was "exceptionally exciting".
'He's come far'
Beyond the international competition win, Freddie has also started his own music and drama school to support other people with special educational needs.He said there are two students so far, who are being taught through Zoom, but he has aspirations to hire spaces to hold physical sessions."It doesn't cost anything to believe in someone, but it makes the biggest difference," he said.Sarah added: "When you're given the news at your 20-week scan, you know, of what [complications] could be ahead, and I look now at my 15-year-old and see what he's achieved."I can't honestly believe how far he's come, and how much he supports others. I'm incredible proud."The family will fly out to America on 29 May, ahead of the concert.
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