Queen invites charity champs to Buck House (From Warrington Guardian)

Queen invites charity champs to Buck House

THE work of two brothers who have modestly made their mark on the lives of deaf men and women in Warrington has been recognised by the Queen.

Fred and Alan Barlow, aged 75 and 67, both born profoundly deaf, have worked tirelessly for the town's deaf community.

This week the pair received an invitation from Buckingham Palace to attend a Christmas reception hosted by the Queen.

The deaf centre was Warrington Guardian's charity of the year as part of our 150th birthday celebrations.

Deputy editor, Nicola Priest, said: "The deaf centre is a fantastic organisation and throughout our year of campaigning we got to know Alan and Fred Barlow very well.

"They are both wonderful men and

thoroughly deserve this honour."

Alan, who is the vice chairman and secretary of the deaf sports and social club, and Fred the chairman of the society and the first deaf person to be elected to this role, have already met Sophie, Countess of Wessex, this year.

The Countess officially opened the modernised and revamped Warrington Deaf Centre on Wilson Patten Street in September this year.

Now they will round off a triumphant royal year with an official visit to see the Queen on December 7.

The Big Lottery Fund donated £400,000 to the £500,000 project to refurbish and modernise the deaf centre.

It took years of tireless fundraising and hard work from the trustees at the centre to raise the final £100,000 to create the new centre.

As well as providing vital facilities to deaf and hard of hearing people, the centre's Deaf Club is a social hub that brings people together who might otherwise be isolated.