Deaf-blind grandad completes Ben Nevis climb

Michael Anderson – a 70 year old father of three from Larbert – yesterday became the first deaf and fully blind climber to reach the summit of Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis. Michael completed the climb to raise funds for the charity DeafBlind Scotland – and to celebrate his 70th birthday.

The gruelling ascent was completed in just under 18 hours, with every step of the way guided by a group which included Michael’s daughter Fiona and her partner Nina, Arran mountain guide Lucy Wallace and guidebook and Walkhighlands author Phil Turner.

During the ascent, two of the party went to the aid of a 73 year old climber who had fallen dangerously ill. Nina told Walkhighlands, “On the ascent the team welcomed a gentleman in his 70s who had turned back approximately half way to the summit as he did not feel he could complete the walk on his own. Sadly just a couple of hundred yards from the summit he fell very ill with suspected hypoglycemic shock and suspected hypothermia. Having ascertained that his medication was in his car and dressed in just t-shirt and jeans, two of the team members, George and Meg elected to stay with him and forego their opportunity to summit with Michael. After giving the man lots of food, water and warm clothing they escorted him safely to the car park. A lesson to all not only of how important it is to be prepared but also an extremely courageous and selfless act of humanity.”

Having set off at the unearthly hour of 4.30am, the rest of the party reached the summit at 1pm, and Michael and his helpers finally got back down to the glen at 10.20pm.

Michael – who broke his thighbone 18 months ago – told the Daily Record before his climb that “The most important thing about hill walking for a deafblind person is the enjoyment and enthusiasm towards it. You’re dependant upon a guide with whom you feel comfortable and who you trust when out on the hills. The negotiation of any unusual terrain is difficult and my hearing impairment adds an extra dimension, particularly when it becomes a problem of not hearing instructions.”

Daughter Fiona said “There is a lot of awareness around both of deafness and blindness thanks to the sterling work done by so many, however being both Deaf and Blind adds a whole raft of challenges as you can’t use one sense to overcome the other. Dad want’s to raise awareness of these unique challenges whilst demonstrating that you can still take part in life fully with the right support.”

You can sponsor the team via their pages on JustGiving; they are half way to raising their target of £4,000.