Kilmarnock teen is first deaf person to get Duke of Edinburgh award

Jun 12 2009 by Lizzie Struthers, Kilmarnock Standard

TEENAGER Ross Grant has made history by becoming the first deaf person to win a top award.

The 19-year-old is the first deaf person to achieve the Duke of Edinburgh’s leadership award.

Ross was invited to attend St James Palace in London to be presented with the award by Prince Phillip.

The Moscow lad has worked hard in helping others for nine years to earn this honour. He has done voluntary work, led camping expeditions and took part in every outdoor activity from raft building to hillwalking to archery.

Ross said: “The Duke of Edinburgh’s award makes good use of your time.

“It was never going to be an easy challenge for myself. It has been a great experience and given me the confidence I need in life.”

He added: “As a deaf person I have to make the first move when I meet new people so they realise I can talk.

“For the leadership award, I had to train people how to set up camp, cook, navigate and generally prepare them for the outdoors.”

Ross, who had a cochlear implant at Crosshouse Hospital 11 years ago, attended the Mary Hare School for deaf children in Berkshire, England. It was through the school that he started his Duke of Edinburgh’s award.

Ross’s proud dad Alan said: “If it wasn’t for this school, I don’t believe Ross would be the man he is today.

“We want to thank East Ayrshire Council and its education director Graham Short for sending him there.”

Ross is currently studying business at Kilmarnock College. He dreams of running his own outdoor adventure sports company.

He said: “This award has spurred me on to go to college, do new things and meet different people.”

Ross is preparing to do a sponsored climb of Ben Nevis in aid of the charity West Scotland Deaf Children’s Society.

During the summer, he will also be busy helping his dad renovate a motor cruiser boat.