Jon McCarthy is the proud owner of Valley Hearing Ltd in Caerphilly.
He is a specialist in all aspects of ear care from ear wax removal, testing, and fitting hearing aids.
On July 5, 2021, Jon opened his business – Valley Hearing – on Cardiff Road.
Since then, Jon has been blown away by the support for his new local independent business.
Jon described the last 12 months as “eventful” and said: “I turned 50, am getting married in May and opened my business.
“Turning 50 made me realise that I need to stay fit and healthy so I took up running. On Sunday, March 27 I ran the Cardiff half marathon with a blue beard in two hours and three minutes – seven minutes faster than when I was 30.
“I raised over £400 for the Alzheimer’s Society. This has spurred me on to secure a place in the London Marathon, this time running on behalf of the Deaf Children’s Society, which supports children with severe hearing disabilities get the best start in life – especially in educational environments.
“I trained as a hearing care professional at a school called Mary Hare in Newbury, which is a specialist school for children with severe hearing disabilities.
“The success of many of these students going on to become athletes, surgeons and successful business owners was inspiring.”
Jon continued: “There is an increasing awareness and acceptance of people with hearing disabilities, with Troy Kotsur becoming only the second deaf actor to win an Oscar.
“Strictly Come Dancing’s Rose Ayling-Ellis created probably the best TV moment ever with her silent dance.”
Over the next six months, Jon, who himself has severe hearing loss, will be donating £2.50 from every wax removal carried out at Valley Hearing to the Deaf Children’s Society.
He will also be donating £25 for every hearing aid fitted at Valley Hearing.
Jon added: “My aim is to raise over £3,000 in total.”
To donate visit Justgiving.com/fundraising/jon-mccarthy2