Michael Woods: My Journey to the Summits – Why I Climb (BSL)

I started trekking back in 2015 — just out of curiosity really. I never imagined it would take over my life the way it has. What began as a simple weekend adventure turned into a passion… then a purpose.

Now I’m on a mission: to climb the Seven Summits — the highest mountain on each continent — and to inspire others along the way, especially those in the Deaf community.

The Seven Summits include:
Mount Everest (Asia – 8,848m)
Aconcagua (South America – 6,961m)
Denali (North America – 6,190m)
Mount Kilimanjaro (Africa – 5,895m)
Mount Elbrus (Europe – 5,642m)
Mount Vinson (Antarctica – 4,892m)
Mount Kosciuszko (Australia – 2,228m)

Being born profoundly Deaf, I’ve had to navigate a world that often isn’t built for people like me. British Sign Language (BSL) is my first language, and even now I still face daily barriers — like struggling to book travel, missing vital spoken instructions in unfamiliar places, or being excluded from group conversations.

Now imagine all of that, but on the side of a mountain. Where communication, safety, and trust are everything.

But the challenges I face have never stopped me. In fact, they’ve pushed me to go even further.

I’ve stood on summits like Mount Toubkal in Morocco and Lobuche in Nepal. I’ve trekked to Everest Base Camp and faced the isolation of being the only Deaf climber in the group. Every expedition has tested me — physically, mentally, and emotionally. From thin air at high altitude to the silence of being misunderstood, I’ve had to dig deep, train harder, and prepare better to survive and thrive in extreme environments.

So why do I climb?

Because I want to prove that being Deaf doesn’t limit what you can achieve.
I want Deaf kids to grow up seeing someone like them doing something they were told wasn’t possible. I want them to believe they can chase big dreams too.

This isn’t just about standing on top of a mountain — it’s about smashing barriers, changing perceptions, and opening doors for others.

In 2025, I completed the first two of the Seven Summits:

Mount Elbrus (5,642m) – the highest mountain in Europe – on 5th June 2025

Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895m) – the highest mountain in Africa – on 2nd July 2025

Next up: Aconcagua in early 2026 — the highest mountain in South America and the tallest outside the Himalayas. This isn’t just another climb — it’s a vital step in preparing for my biggest goal…

In Spring 2026, I will attempt to summit Mount Everest – the highest point on Earth. If successful, I’ll become the first Deaf person from the UK to stand on the top of the world.

But for me, Everest isn’t just a mountain. It’s a symbol. It represents every time someone told me I couldn’t do something because I’m Deaf. It represents every moment I had to work twice as hard just to be seen or heard. And it represents the power of never giving up.

To prepare, I’m also taking on one of the toughest challenges here in the UK — cycling from John o’ Groats to Land’s End, and along the way, climbing the Three Peaks: Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike, and Snowdon. It’s a brutal test of endurance, but Everest demands that level of commitment. It’s not just about being strong on the day — it’s about building grit, resilience, and mindset every single day in training.

Every hike I do, every ice bath, every weight I lift, every mile I cycle — it all counts. On summit day, those tiny decisions will be the difference between standing on the top or having to turn back. And I’m not willing to turn back.

Because this journey isn’t just about me — it’s about us.

I carry my community with me on every climb. Every summit is for the Deaf community, for anyone who’s ever felt overlooked or underestimated.

My goal isn’t just the summit — it’s the journey.

And I’m just getting started.

I’m currently looking for more sponsors and support for my Everest expedition in Spring 2026. If you or your company would be interested in helping me reach the top of the world, please email: hello@michaelssummits.com