Michael embraces career move to building sandcastles 

Last week, our Training and Development Manager, Michael, gave his response to the question that we will all have to answer – when to retire!

His message to share with you all is: 

Hi all 

Just to let you know, I’ve decided to take a step down as I near retirement next year and pursue other interests, including going down to the beach with our two grandsons to build sandcastles and fly kites! 

Thanks to all I’ve worked with for nearly ten years, and I wish you all continued success and happiness. 

Thanks Michael 

For those who have known Michael for many years, you will recognise his very typical understated manner in his message. For those who have met and worked with him more recently, here is a potted history. 

After a career including television production and adult education, he started with Hearing Link in 2013 as Wales engagement officer before working more closely with volunteers, training and service delivery. During his time, he also supported the delivery of LinkUps and Let’s Hear project before moving into his current training and development role in 2022. 

He has been the Deaf Awareness training lead alongside central support advisor Sue Benham for many years. In this role, he was able to share his experience of growing up with, and then caring for, his deaf mother and more recently his own experience of hearing loss. 

Sue says of her time working with Michael: “My first encounter with Michael was as a volunteer for Hearing Link (before the merger with Hearing Dogs) at a 2-day training in Birmingham and little did I know our paths would cross again a few years later when I become a colleague. Michael and I worked together for 7 years, he has always been very supportive, and I very much enjoyed working alongside him on the LinkUp weekends, delivering Deaf Awareness training among other events and projects – all of which had plenty of his humour in the mix!! I will miss his depth of knowledge, dry wit and daily “thoughts for the day”!! – and his friendship.” 

Our External Relationship & Communications Manager, Lorna, said: “I had the pleasure of working with Michael for over a decade. He brought a great wealth of knowledge and understanding to our charity which made significant difference to those we help. We will miss his presence, jokes and friendship.” 

Alison says of her time working together: “Michael and I took up our posts at Hearing Link within a few weeks of each other and I first met him when he came up to Edinburgh to our office in Morningside. I liked him straight away and he has been a constant friend to me throughout our time at Hearing Link and Hearing Dogs for Deaf People. I’ll miss him and his quirky sense of humour.” 

Michael recently moved to the north Wales coast to be closer to his grandchildren and family. 

If you would like to leave a farewell message for Michael, then this link Michael’s Leaving Card takes you to his leaving card to be delivered to him on Friday 5 July at 3pm. 

Best wishes for this next chapter Michael!