A 'personal connection' inspired Cheshire's newest audiologist to chase her dreams.

Earlier this year, the Hearing Centres' Lauren Reynard became an officially registered audiologist and hearing aid dispenser.

The 32-year-old was inspired to get into audiology by her uncle, who was born profoundly deaf.

She said: "I have a very personal connection to audiology and it is something I'm very passionate about.

"I grew up using sign language, almost like a second language.

"As I got older, I decided this was something I was going to focus on seriously."

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Nantwich resident Lauren's first job involved supporting deaf, deafblind and people with visual impairments in Cheshire.

It was through this work that she first met Rory Kewney, co-owner of the Hearing Centres group of clinics.

Lauren said: "One thing led to another and then I was having an interview and signing up for university!"

In partnership with De Montfort University, Lauren completed a two-year hearing aid dispenser apprenticeship with the Hearing Centres, graduating over the summer.

"I'm incredibly proud of what I have achieved," Lauren said.

"I was never the most confident or academic person in school, I never thought in my wildest dreams that I'd be able to earn a science degree.

"If you'd told me that when I was 16, I'd have laughed!"

Lauren achieved all of this while raising her son, Ruben.

"My little boy was only nine months old when I started the course, I was still exclusively breastfeeding. So I had to balance being a mum with my studies," she said.

"Fortunately, the Hearing Centres is like one big family. They gave us all the time and support we needed."

On how the course has helped, she added: "The knowledge you get from doing the degree and also being able to network with other audiologists is invaluable.

"You are forever learning on the job, because there's always new technology coming out."

Today, Lauren works part time at Northwich Hearing Centre.

The group also has clinics in Bollington, Leek, Cheadle, Wilmslow, Biddulph, Buxton and Chapel-en-le-Frith.

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