Deaf and blind walker Michael Anderson will be tackling a 215 mile charity hike this May and is appealing for walkers to help him along the way. In 2011 Michael successfully tackled Ben Nevis with the help of some Walkhighlands users and is hoping hillwalkers will support both his trek and charity this time around. Michael is calling his trek from Iona to St Andrews “Michael’s Way” and is raising money for Deafblind Scotland.
Michael and family on Ben Nevis
Michael said, “The name Michael’s Way was dreamt up because I have very different ways of doing things. I have to run with a guide and cycle with a pilot so I do a triathlon Michael’s way. I have to be guided on a walk and use my balance and sense of touch to find my way so I will be doing the hike Michael’s way. This is replicated in every day life too. How I get around, eat, cook, wash and communicate. It’s all done Michael’s Way.
“I have been a member and director of Deafblind Scotland for many years and their support, advice and help has been unparalleled when it comes to giving me access to information, social events and generally just getting out and about. Dual sensory impairment is the loneliest disability imaginable and depression is a common occurance in the community.
“To give something back and help make The Field of Dreams, a new learning and development centre for deafblind people become a reality I am tackling a series of challenges in the coming year.”
The 215 mile self-supported backpacking trek will take Michael and his small team of supporters from 6 to 22 May this year and will involve wild camping and nights in hostels.
Michael’s daughter-in-law Nina Smirnoff said, “We have some helpers already however there are some gaps, notably between Oban and Bridge of Orchy as well as from Killin onwards, it would be fantastic if any Walkhighlands walkers would be able to join us on what should be a fun, challenging and very different experience.”
“Michael is a very capable walker and has already done a triathlon and a race in the last six months to raise funds for Deafblind Scotland but this is our big fundraising event to raise money in order to build a new learning and development centre to aid all deafblind people in Scotland.”
If you are interested in helping guide Michael for a stage or two of his epic trek you can contact the team on the Michael’s Way Facebook page or on the Walkhighlands forum. Even if you are unable to walk with Michael it is possible to donate to his fundraising for Deafblind Scotland here.