Deaf Mountaineer from Liverpool Aims to Conquer Everest for Deaf Children's Charity
A father from Liverpool is embarking on an extraordinary mission to become the first deaf British person to reach the summit of Mount Everest, all while raising crucial funds for the National Deaf Children's Society. Michael Woods, a profoundly deaf mountaineer, will tackle the daunting 8,849-meter (29,032-foot) ascent in honor of his six-year-old son Joseph, who is also deaf and appears on ITV's Coronation Street as Aled Winter-Brown. Joseph will turn seven in March.
Preparing for the Ultimate Challenge
Michael's Everest expedition is scheduled to commence on April 7, 2026, with his departure to Nepal on April 1 for acclimatization before proceeding to Base Camp. The entire journey is anticipated to span six to eight weeks. To gear up for this monumental feat, Michael, who communicates using British Sign Language (BSL), is undergoing rigorous strength training three times weekly with a personal trainer, complemented by endurance exercises and altitude preparation. He is also utilizing an altitude tent at home to simulate high-elevation conditions.
At 36 years old when the expedition begins, Michael is striving to complete the Seven Summits challenge, which involves climbing the highest peak on each continent. In a significant milestone, he recently conquered Aconcagua in Argentina, the highest mountain in South America, standing at 6,961 meters (22,840 feet). This 17-day climb pushed him to his limits physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Overcoming Obstacles and Inspiring Others
Reflecting on his Aconcagua experience, Michael shared, "Aconcagua tested me in every way imaginable, from battling fatigue to facing the harsh elements, but standing at the summit made it all worth it. The sense of achievement and awe at the mountain is indescribable." For Everest, he anticipates the greatest challenges will be the extreme altitude, temperatures plummeting to -30°C and below, and the mental strain of prolonged summit pushes, especially navigating the perilous icefall between Base Camp and Camp 1.
Michael will ascend with a guided team, relying on visual and written communication methods as no BSL interpreter will accompany him. With years of mountaineering experience, he has already summited peaks such as Elbrus in Russia, Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Toubkal in Morocco, and Lobuche East in Nepal. After Everest, he plans to continue his pursuit of the Seven Summits.
A Personal Motivation and Charitable Impact
The National Deaf Children's Society has been instrumental in supporting Joseph from a young age, helping him secure essential communication access at school. Michael expressed his gratitude, stating, "I want deaf children - including my own - to see that nothing is out of reach for them. The National Deaf Children's Society stood by us when Joseph needed support at school, and this climb is my way of saying thank you. Everest is the biggest challenge of my life, but if it inspires even one deaf child to believe in themselves, it will be worth it."
With the charity's assistance, Joseph received full-time communication support and BSL interpreters at school, a development Michael describes as life-changing. He emphasized, "Without the National Deaf Children's Society, I don't think we would have managed it. They fought alongside us and made sure Joseph had the support he needed in school." Following his father's Aconcagua success, Joseph exclaimed, "Wow, that's good, I love you and you did it, proud of you." Michael's daughter Isabella, a CODA (Child of Deaf Adults), added, "Well done, you did it and I can't believe you did a big mountain. Proud my daddy did it."
Fundraising Goals and Community Support
The funds raised will enable the National Deaf Children's Society to continue aiding thousands of deaf children and families across the UK through its Helpline, online support sessions, and one-to-one assistance. Even modest contributions can have a significant impact:
- £24 could answer four calls to the NDCS Helpline from parents who have just discovered their child is deaf.
- £44 could provide an online session empowering parents to secure appropriate school support.
- £100 could fund one-to-one support for three families.
Melissa Jones, Community and Events Fundraiser at the National Deaf Children's Society, praised Michael's efforts, saying, "Michael's determination is extraordinary. Taking on Everest is an enormous challenge for anyone, and he's doing it to inspire deaf children and raise funds for others who need support just like his family once did. We're incredibly proud to support Michael on his journey. His story will resonate with so many families, and every pound he raises helps us continue our work to ensure deaf children receive the communication support, opportunities and encouragement they need."
