I've just read that lip-reading teacher Janet Perkins has been nominated for an award (The Argus, June 5) .

Let's hope that she wins it. I lost my hearing very rapidly in my early forties and in despair turned up at one of Janet's lip-reading classes.

Janet is quite simply brilliant. She taught me how to cope with life as a deafened adult and gave me the confidence to speak out about my disability.

You can't see that someone is deaf and most hearing people have no idea of the profound effect a hearing loss can have on someone's life.

Imagine not being able to hear bird song, or music, or listen to the rain or have a conversation without resorting to pen and paper.

Imagine how many people I've ignored because I can't hear them!

Janet doesn't just teach lipreading - she changes lives.

Thanks Janet.

Maggie Knight North Road, Portslade