Andrew Broughton

I had known Andrew for over 20 years as fellow teachers of the deaf – in the days when Margaret Eatough ran the Shropshire service. Then, in 1989 a child I was teaching, became the first child in the country to have a cochlear implant, amidst much controversy, and we started The Ear Foundation to fund the first implants. I was faced with opposition from many of my teacher of the deaf colleagues who saw implantation as a threat, many of whom told me I was mad to be involved. Not Andrew!! Here was an exciting opportunity for the deaf children he had dedicated his life to….. and one to be seized. But if we were to do it, we were to do it properly.

SO… the first referrals to Nottingham Cochlear Implant Programme, as it became, were from Shropshire, and there began a hugely professional relationship between implant centre and educational service – an example to all of what could be achieved with multi-professional working – which put the children and the families at the heart of their work. And which taught us all how best to support children with implants at home and school – and the results speak for themselves.

Andrew was a rare combination of skills and insights: someone who could one minute crawl round the floor with a toddler and engage the most difficult child with ease, but who could also an hour later be arguing the most impressive business case for his service. We turned to him if we wanted a video example of interaction with a child – the best teacher of the deaf in the country, according to my colleague, Dr Margaret Tait. I also turned to him for accurate figures for preparing health economics papers – I can hear his voice on the phone – just give me a minute, Sue……and back he would come with the figures needed. The last time I asked was when preparing the case for the NICE investigation of cochlear implants.

Andrew was serious about his work – but he was also fun. Brian and I got to know him better at conferences such as that at Como – he loved the challenge of the meetings and of mix of professionals looking to the future. But…. He also made time to enjoy himself, which, unlike Brian, involved shopping – back he came to the dinner table proudly showing his purchases – which of course included….. a waistcoat! We spent a lovely Sunday morning on the water listening to the church bells in the villages round the lake.

We saw Andrew in hospital last summer, when he was so interested in all that was happening at The Ear Foundation and what our plans were – with that great interest and turn of the head to really listen. Little did I know that my plans were to be interrupted so soon - - and I found myself in a hospital bed only able to move enough to text. We texted from bed to bed – recalling memories of the time on Lake Como – and sharing frustrations at hospital life and how difficult it sometimes was having to be cheerful for those who visited us….

He was such a special person – I can’t believe that I won’t hear his voice on the phone again with such wise advice, but his work and influence continues and will do so. He kept me going in the implant field when others were less helpful and one felt like giving up …….. and all those children growing into adulthood show us how right he was.

His last text remains on my phone – goodnight and God bless.

DearSue,Ruth,Aiimee,teachers and children at the Oral School Kolkata, India are sad!Special Prayers for a special family.
Jeru,jaya,Chitra and the kids

Previous entries have said it all. Andrew was a marvellous man - truly remarkable. He made everyone feel special when really it was he who was so very, very special. I consider it a privilege that I was able to call him a friend.
My sincere sympathy goes to Sue, Ruth and Aimee. He was so proud of you all.

Barbara Trinder formerly of Shrewsbury now living in Buckinghamshire

(Ruth, I am the person who made the finger puppets of the "Spice Girls", which Andrew so generously purchased for the cause.)

Just wanted to say how much Aimee, Ruth and I appreciate all of these memories and messages - it really lifts our heart when we get an e-mail to say another one has been left and always makes us smile even if there is an inevitable sadness behind it. Andrew to us was just Andrew - husband , daddy, soul mate friend - lots of laughter, too little time but the bravest of the barve in these last few months - still thinking about tohers and tryign to make sure that his girls would know how much he loved them and was and is proud of them

i just wanted to share my wonderful memory of Andrew at the Newborn Hearing Screening Conference in Italy- a few years ago now. He was a pleasure to spend time with over those few days and he seemed so full of joy at being there, it really was a special time
Lots of love and prayers to Sue and the girls

im so glad i start this for andrew i hope him n my daughter are having fun n i know he will make sure thyat she is safe

I have known Andrew since Adam was diagnosed deaf when he was 6 months old, he is now 19 years old. I have lots of happy memories of Andrew over the years, he always had faith in 'his' (hearing impaired) children and believed that they would go far in life. I helped him as a volunteer in Nursery, Parent and Toddler group, Sdcs and also numerous occasions when he would ask me to speak to other parents of newly diagnosed children. He certainly helped me with my son Adam and was always there if you needed to speak to him, he was a truly remarkable man who will never be forgotten. My thoughts go to Sue, Ruth and Aimee.

I grew up with the help of the most down-to-earth guy you could ever meet. Being under his care in the earlier years of my life would make anyone wonder if I could still remember what he was like. I have many memories that I will never forget, and most of all he himself will never be forgotten.

Andrew was a amazing and my faourite teacher of the deaf. He came to my house and my mum was really worried about my deafness because she didn't know was to and how she help me. Andrew help my mum with my deafness etc. I have lots of different memories with Mr Broughton, too many to lists - One day I was at Ellesmere school I was screaming because I didnt want to wear the headphone and I had to sit on his lap, also he broke a pottery back home.He and other teacher of the deaf have help me to improve my hearing as I now have two Cochlear Implants. He was a wonderful man who guided and helped me and my Mum so much. So many times he said to my mum that he was so proud of what I have acheived at school/college, my football and he told my mum that I would speak. It wouldnt have been the same without him. But without Andrews help, understanding and strength in times when Mum and Dad would have felt she was going to struggle. We all going to miss the best, funny, kind, caring man in the world! xx

Although I never knew Andrew, what I have read about him shows he was truly an inspirational and treasured man.

We were so sorry to hear of Andrew's death. We couldn't let this opportunity pass without acknowledging the unstinting help that Andrew gave to our grandsons Gareth and Daniel and the support he gave their parents Jane and David.
We as a family will never forget what we owe to Andrew - we were so lucky to have such a fine, caring and knowledgeable man in the right place (for us) at the right time.
Our thoughts are very much with Sue and family at this time.

My deepest sympathys to Sue,Ruth and Amy.
Andrew was a excelent tod when he used to come and see Tammy when she was younger, and he always said Tammy could achieve anything she wanted to
lots of love
Karen,John,Kirsty and Tammy Powell

What a truly remarkable man. His knowledge and dedication had such a huge impact on all those who were lucky enough to have met him. We had the privilege of his expertise when he became our childrens teacher of the deaf back in 1997. He made us see having deaf children was going to open up doors and avenues we would never have come across and that our lives was to become enriched for this experience. His helpfullness stretched not only to us but to every member of our extended family. Surely this goes well beyond his job description, and yet that was exactly what he was like. He was ALWAYS there to help, or answer any questions and he became invaluable to us. Much more than that though, he became our friend, and we will miss him very much. Our thoughts and love go to Sue and the girls.

I first met Andrew in 1991 when I was teaching at Ludlow school. He was so friendly and was such good company that I always looked forward to chatting with him. I then left Ludlow School and was reacquainted with Andrew when I started to work for Telford and Wrekin Council in 2005. Although we had not seen each other for 8 years he had remained the same kind, warm and funny man that he always was.

Andrew was unique and was without doubt one of the nicest people I have ever had the pleasure to meet. I know the world is a worse place without him and it would be a whole lot nicer if there were more like him.

Andrew was a great inspiration and incredible support to me, as my tutor, when I took the TOD course. I have always thought of him often since then and I always will with greatest respect. With loving memories of a purely nice man.

It was with very great sadness that the staff at St John's learned of Andrew's illness and death. He is remembered here as a man of great integrity who was a champion for deaf children. We can only imagine the sense of loss and sadness his family feel but hope they may find some consolation in that Andrew's work lives on in the achievements of those deaf children he supported. Andrew's life was of course, too short but one so very well lived and an inspiration to many friends and colleagues.

Ann Bradbury
Headteacher
St John's Catholic School for the Deaf
Boston Spa
West Yorks

Dearest Sue, Ruth and Amiee
I just wanted to let you know that you are in my thoughts. We have some beautiful memories of the time you came to Hawkes Bay. I know Andrew loved New Zealand. And everyone in New Zealand loved Andrew.
An incredible man who will be missed by many across the world.

Andrew was a treasure. A kind, caring, optimistic man with a lovely sense of humour. He had a deep passion for his work, for improving the lives of the children and families he supported and such love for his wife and family. Though he took all this very seriously he always managed to avoid taking himself too seriously. Such a gift. He will be missed by so many but none more so than Sue, Ruth and Aimee - all thoughts with you, especially today.

Andrew was a warm and witty man who will be sadly missed by all who knew him. His professionalism shone throughout his career and it is no accident that the service which he led is held in such high regard, both nationally and across Europe. He will be sadly missed by all his friends and I know I speak on behalf of my entire team in sending our deepest condolences to his family, of whom he was so proud.

I met Andrew when my daughter Katie was 2 years old. I wondered who was this strange man, how was he going to help me? He was a wonderful man who guided and helped me and Katie so much. So many times he said to me that he was so proud of what my daughter had acheived. She is now married, Andrew of course came to the night do. It wouldnt have been the same without him.She has 3 children of her own now. But without Andrews help, understanding and strength in times when I felt I was getting nowhere, Katie would not be where she is today. I will miss this special man, he was an inspiration.
Our thoughts are with Sue and his daughters at this very sad time.
Janet and Katie Turner, Oswestry

I have known Andrew since April 1998. He was an inspiring individual extremely passionate about working with children and young people and a pleasure to work with. A man of great integrity; respected by everybody who worked with him, who would offer support and friendship to everybody he knew. Andrew has undoubtedly made a huge and positive contribution to the lives of a significant number of children and young people across shropshire and europe. He will be missed but not forgotten by friends and colleagues across a wide area.

Dear Andrew. What to say. So many memories.There was the time you headed off to Bishops Castle so focused on the job ahead you forgot to drop baby Aimee off at Jen's on the way past.Or shall I mention the number of times she had eaten your sandwiches by the time you arrived at my house in the morning. You never minded.I feel priviledged to have been close to you and Sue,and to have been able to spend such special and unforgettable times with your lovely girls as they grew up.They are as dear to me as my own.
Then in working for you you taught me so many things. How lucky I was to become a very small part of that amazing team which you led with such expertise,insight and love.I will miss you Andrew. My family will too. Sue, Ruth and Aims can be so very proud of you.
And you of them. XXX
Jen, Stellawood, NZ
formerly of Longden Lodge, Shropsire

Such a kind generous caring thoughtful man. You really don't find many people like Andrew. I and my family feel ever so lucky to have known and been friends with Andrew. For many years my Mum cared for Aimee while Andrew and Sue worked, it was always a pleasure to have a chat when Andrew came to pick Aimee up every night. He was such a devoted Dad and I'm in awe of the work he and his team did in the Sensory Inclusion Service. I myself use hearing aids and Andrew was always keen to help me with advice or technical issues if I ever needed. What an amazing person Andrew was. Ruth and Aimee, you should be so very proud of your wonderful father. Thinking of you all and hoping Andrew's service goes well. Much love always xxx

Who, I quietly thought to myself when I first met Andrew on a visit to Shropshire in May 2002, is this slightly hippy looking man with the waistcoats and the hair ? I learned from that visit more about ear moulds that I ever thought humanly possible. But I also very quickly learned that the man with the waistcoat and hair was one of the shrewdest operators around. I learned that he had strategic vision for the service he headed. Having the strategic vision is one thing, making it happen another and Andrew certainly made things happen. He made things happen locally, nationally and internationally and had an unerring sense of where to look for funding to develop services. But I think what I learned from that visit most, from the parents we visited, from the visit to Radbrooke nursey, from the colleagues who worked with Andrew was how they admired, supported and loved the man. They saw his commitment, his energy, his devotion and determination to improve lives. They saw his warmth and they saw his humour. He was a true one-off and will be greatly missed and my thoughts are very much with Sue and the girls.

Andrew, Sue, Ruth and Aimee as a family have been fantastic neighbours to us since we moved into our house in 2002. Due to their great family hospitality we have enjoyed many memorable occasions that will remain with us forever. It is correct to say that Andrew was loved and respect by everybody in the neighbourhood and will be greatly missed.

All our love to the family

To Sue, Ruth, and Aimee

While we've met Andrew only briefly, we are very much aware of the huge impact his work has had on the world of deaf children and their families. His efforts and energy embody the motto of his service: 'EVERY child and young person matters.' His passing will be a huge loss to families in Shropshire, Eastern Europe and indeed all over the world.

Our hearts go out to you in these early days and all the weeks and months ahead. May your memories of him bring you warmth and comfort.

I knew all about Andrew's work and dedication in Shropshire, and in various countires around the world, and amazing reputation for his service for deaf children, but it was only when I met him in April 07 that I realised what a warm, witty fun person he was. He came over to Dublin with his wife Sue as both were keynote speakers at the British Cochlear Implant Group's annual conference. A friend and colleague Margaret and I dined with Andrew and Sue. Andrew turned up looking particularly natty in a suit with colourful waistcoat and kept us laughing all evening. Andrew also generously gave me professional advice re my work with deaf children in Ireland. Thank you Andrew.

Sue, I am thinking of you, the girls, family and colleagues every day.

Andrew will be very much missed. No matter how busy he was he always had time for everyone and he was so considerate of others. I will remember Andrew as someone who was calm, patient and smiled a lot. It was always a pleasure to work with Andrew.

Maureen Cooper
Finance
Telford & Wrekin Council

Andrew was a brilliant professional who developed a first rate sensory inclusion service for children, young people and their families. The service across Telford & Wrekin and Shropshire is one of the nation's best thanks to Andrew and his dedicated team of professionals.
I enjoyed any meeting with Andrew who was so motivated in his work. His dedication to young people with sensory
disabilities was so evident.

Andrew was also a thoroughly nice man with a smile on his face and a warm welcome whenever we met.

It is tragic that he has passed away so early. Rest in peace Andrew

David Johnson
Head of Human Resources
Telford & Wrekin Council

Andrew was a friend who would always find time to have a chat even at the busiest conference. A lovely man liked by all and respected within the profession. He had agreed to be my keynote speaker at the BAEA Annual Conference in October 09 (had the meeting not been postponed) because of his pioneering work done ensuring that deaf babies and children had the best hearing provision possible. He will be missed.

Peter Keen
Consultant Educational Audiologist
Chairman, the British Association of Educational Audiologists (BAEA)

Andrew, one of my favourite colleagues, was a human dynamo. I once accompanied him on a visit to Brussels to seek European Commission involvement in one of his ground-breaking projects in support of the deaf. He wished to share his world-leading experience in Telford and Shropshire with those in new member states such as Romania, where the problems of deaf young people are on an altogether different scale.
We were received by MEP's Baroness Nicholson (herself deaf) and Liz Lynne with the usual civility reserved for representatives of Local Authotities in the UK.
As Andrew started to speak about his ideas, civility quickly turned to excitement as they realised that they were being addressed by a truly expert practitioner who was determined to make a difference for the deaf throughout Europe. After some considerable time I very reluctantly had to intervene to draw a close to a fascinating and dynamic dialogue so as not to miss the 'plane home.
Andrew made an enormous impression that day and has made a huge diference throughout Europe. His projects are continuing and we all miss him dreadfully.

Bob Boden

Andrew was a wonderful,witty,wise and warm friend. We will all miss him but will treasure all the happy times which our two families spent together. This is a photo of Andrew on Christmas day 2007 wearing his bright red jacket and fancy waistcoat deep in conversation.

As a colleague Andrew was an inspiriational leader who empowered and enabled deaf children and their families to strive to achieve their ambitions. He always brought out the best in everyone with his calm, positive, reassuring manner.

this man was very loved by the deaf kids like my daughter kimberley jones n her mate katie edwards very sad i hope he looks after my daughter kimberley up they very sweet and fun man he was