Queen looks ahead to 'brighter future' in lockdown statement

When you subscribe we will use the information you provide to send you these newsletters.Sometimes they’ll include recommendations for other related newsletters or services we offer.Our Privacy Notice explains more about how we use your data, and your rights.You can unsubscribe at any time.

Yorkshireman Richie Cottingham, 26, says he dislikes his current computer-generated voice because it sounds American. He is appealing for volunteers to help him create his native accent from Hull, East Yorkshire.

The self-professed ‘proud Yorkshireman’ has lived in East Yorkshire for his entire life and has had cerebral palsy since birth.

Richie said his current speaking aid does not represent who he is. With speech and language therapist, Jennifer Benson, they are hoping to find two men around his age to create a new voice in his preferred accent.

Richie said: “I want to sound like my family and friends.

“When I am in a room with lots of other people we all sound the same because all of the devices use the same voices.

“I lived in East Yorkshire all of my life so I think an East Yorkshire accent would fit well to me.

“I would love to have my own voice.”

Jennifer Benson, 46, has been working closely with Richie for the past nine months. She said she feels ‘immensely proud and privileged’ to be able to help Richie regain his voice.

Ms Benson continued: “I think it’s so important for someone to have their own voice. Most of us don’t realise it but our voices are unique to us as individuals.

“How often do we answer the phone and people know it’s you – it’s unique like your fingerprints. It’s key to your identity and your sense of self. We know it from our patients who lose their voices that it’s so important.

“I feel like this is a huge deal, as a speech therapist we want to enhance people’s communication as best we can do.

“We have the opportunity to literally give him a voice. He’ll sound like the people he grew up with, but he will also sound completely unique.

“It has turned into a really brilliant project between the two of us and he’s so excited.”

The voice will be created by SpeakUnique, who also helped Leeds Rhino legend Rob Burrow create his voice for his communication aid.

DON’T MISS
Kate and William put on show of solidarity as UK marks anniversary[ROYAL]
Kate Garraway documentary: When is Finding Derek on? What time?[TV]
EU should have listened! Jab rollout puts UK ‘on course’ for normality[COVID]

They have narrowed it down to three people whose East Yorkshire accents are to Richie’s preference.

The ‘clever’ process involves getting two people to say roughly 200 phrases before their voices are merged together so it creates a completely unique voice.

Richie is hoping to show off his new voice in a few weeks’ time.

Source: Read Full Article