Children and adults from the city are being reminded to register for SignHealth’s sign2sing fundraiser on Wednesday, February 5.

 Linda Petrons, Events and Corporate Fundraiser at SignHealth, which is the national healthcare charity for deaf people, said: “We have estimated that so far more than 100,000 people have signed up for sign2sing but we need another 20,000 in order to break our world record of 116,980 and help raise awareness of British Sign Language (BSL).

 “sign2sing is our annual record breaking attempt for the most people signing and singing a song on the same day. We’re hoping lots of children and adults from Exeter will sign up for the event.

 “We have run the fundraiser successfully for the past three years and our aim for the 2014 event is to inspire our next generation of healthcare professionals to learn some sign language and recognise the importance of good communication.

 “Deaf people often find it more difficult than hearing people to access healthcare and health information and because of this, deaf men, women and children are more likely to suffer ill health. By ensuring our next generation of healthcare professionals are aware of deafness and BSL, we will help to break down communication barriers and ensure equal access.”

 The closing date for registrations is Friday, January 24, so SignHealth is urging people to sign up as soon as possible, so they have time to learn and rehearse the songs.

 Children and adults from all over the country will learn to sign one of the charity’s songs that have been especially composed for the event.

 The songs, As One and Get Up and Sign, have been specially written, performed and produced for sign2sing by Tom and Pippa Gearing, Sarah Lindsey and James Hawkins from Bottle Top Music Productions.

 Both songs are available to download from iTunes and cost 99p each. As One is suitable for any choirs, older children or adults participating in the world record breaking attempt on February 5 and Get Up and Sign is aimed at any younger children taking part.

 Earlier this year 116,980 teachers and pupils from across the country and overseas participated in SignHealth’s third sign2sing event and broke the Guinness World Records™. The previous record, which the charity also set was 114,277.

Linda continued: “We will be asking children and adults alike to wear a scarf like our official mascot, Olli the monkey, on the day of sign2sing and donate their £1. Alternatively people can hold fundraising events, such as a cake sale, coffee morning, non-uniform or dress down day or raffle.

 “We are hoping businesses, choirs, community groups such as brownies, cubs and scouts as well as schools and other organisations from Exeter join in too.”

The money will be used to continue the charity’s work helping to improve the mental and physical health and well-being of deaf children and adults.

Everyone who registers for sign2sing will have access to digital resources, are available to download from www.sign2sing.org.uk.

People who are unable to take part in the record breaking attempt are invited to join in with the fundraising event during sign2sing week, which takes place from Monday, February 3 until Sunday, February 9.

Those wishing to take part are invited to sign up by visiting www.sign2sing.org.uk and clicking on the ‘register now’ link. Children can nominate their school to take part via the website too.

For more information about sign2sing, please visit the website above or contact Linda at SignHealth on 01494 687600. Alternatively, people can follow sign2sing on Twitter at www.twitter.com/sign2sing and on Facebook via www.facebook.com/sign2sing.