Taking 300,000 steps and raising sponsorship funds to support deaf and hard-of-hearing children from across Australia, Imogen will be joined by her two-year-old son Jenson.
He may not be alongside his mum at her daily gym running session but he will be sitting in his own seat on the back of her bicycle as they explore the “beautiful local cycleways in an around Newington” and chock up extra kilometres.
Studying for a Certificate 3 in Auslan at Deaf Connect in Parramatta, Imogen said she was inspired to learn after her husband Steven’s sister Nicole, an Auslan interpreter, married Will who is deaf.
“Being introduced into the welcoming deaf community and seeing the world through their eyes has been inspiring but I’m also aware of the challenges they face,” she said.
“We often have an interpreter at family gatherings and I am learning Auslan with the goal of becoming bilingual.
“I would also like that for my son so he can communicate with his Uncle Will.
“Jenson and I have already attended an Auslan storytime and playgroup which was a great, fun way for him to be surrounded by the language.”
Though not fluent yet in Auslan, Imogen says she is able to express herself, can understand simple conversations and is looking forward to continuing her studies with Deaf Connect.
“Fundraising for deaf children is another step on the journey, I just want to help in any way I can,” she said.
To make a donation: step-up.deafchildrenaustralia.org.au/imogen-o-neill.