Avril Langard-Tang tells us about ‘Silent Steps’ and her plans to be the first deaf female to walk alone from John O’Groats to Land’s End (BSL)

Q: Hi Avril! Can you introduce who you are and your connection to the Deaf community?

My name is Avril Langard-Tang and I’m a Senior Lecturer in Deaf Studies and Interpreting. I am based in the Midlands and my whole career, and my identity, is rooted in the Deaf community. 

I identify as a Deaf woman and British Sign Language is central to both my personal and professional life. For many years, I have worked to train interpreters and raise awareness of Deaf experiences, rights and accessibility. My connection to the Deaf community is not just professional; it is lived, personal and lifelong.

Q: What inspired you to set up Silent Steps? What do you propose to do?

Silent Steps was born from a powerful mix of frustration, determination, hope and deep personal experience. I have witnessed the barriers Deaf people face every day, particularly in healthcare, and I knew I needed to do something bold and visible.

I was also inspired by two Deaf men who walked from John O’Groats to Land’s End in 2019, raising more than £60,000 for mental health. Their journey had a huge impact on me and showed me what is possible within our community.

My motivation is also deeply personal. I was raised in a Deaf family, and 25 years ago my mum passed away after suddenly falling into a coma for two weeks. During that time, we had no interpreters, no communication support, no explanations and no access to bereavement counselling afterwards. 

We were left in complete silence and carried that grief alone for far too long. That experience has stayed with me and is one of the main reasons I am doing Silent Steps.

I decided to walk around 1,000 miles from John O’Groats to Land’s End over 10 weeks as the first Deaf woman to complete this journey independently. 

Every mile will raise awareness for Deaf health, amplify community voices and support SignHealth. Silent Steps transforms silence into visibility and turns painful memories into purpose.

This matters because Deaf people are being harmed due to lack of access. Communication barriers in healthcare are not minor inconveniences; they can be dangerous.

Through both my personal experience and professional work, I have seen Deaf people face delayed diagnoses, inaccessible mental health support, a lack of interpreters and misunderstandings in medical information. 

These are not isolated incidents but widespread systemic issues. Every step I take is a reminder that Deaf people deserve better.

Q: How will the walk work logistically? Do you have support?

Although I am walking independently, I am not alone. Chris Probert will support me as a driver throughout the journey, helping with logistics, safety, accommodation and daily planning. 

There will also be filming and media support to ensure the journey reaches a wide audience.However, the walking itself will be done entirely by me, step by step.

Q: What does your training involve? How are you preparing mentally and physically?

My training includes long-distance walking, strength building and endurance work. I am gradually increasing my mileage and preparing to walk for long hours in different weather conditions.

Mentally, I am focusing on resilience and purpose. I am visualising the journey and staying connected to the Deaf community, whose experiences and strength motivate me. This challenge is as much mental as it is physical.

Q: Why is walking alone important to you? What message do you hope to share?

Walking alone reflects the isolation many Deaf people experience, especially in healthcare settings where communication barriers leave us navigating systems independently.

At the same time, it demonstrates strength. I want to show that Deaf people are capable, independent and powerful, but we should not have to struggle in silence. The message is about visibility, equality and refusing to be ignored.

Q: Have you taken on fundraisers or challenges before?

I have not led many fundraisers independently before. Silent Steps is the first major one I have taken on myself. Last year, I participated in the Three Peaks Challenge within 24 hours with DeafPlus and helped raise over £1,500.

That experience showed me the power of collective action, but Silent Steps is by far the biggest challenge I have attempted, combining a significant physical journey with national awareness for Deaf health and equality.

Q: Why did you choose SignHealth?

I chose SignHealth because their work directly transforms Deaf lives. They provide mental health services, advocacy, domestic abuse support, therapy and accessible health information in British Sign Language.

This choice is also informed by my academic research. I am currently completing my MA, studying Deaf people’s experiences of bereavement counselling in the UK. My research highlights serious systemic inequalities, including long waiting times, confusing referral systems, limited awareness among GPs and inconsistent access to interpreters.

These barriers have real consequences, including prolonged grief and significant mental health challenges. Supporting SignHealth means supporting the wellbeing and future of the Deaf community.

Q: How can Deaf people support your journey and follow your progress?

People can follow my journey online, join sections of the walk, share their experiences and help raise awareness on social media. We will share regular updates, including videos, maps and stories, so people can stay connected throughout.

Every interaction helps amplify the message that barriers in Deaf healthcare must be addressed.

Q: Can you tell us about the opportunity to walk with you on Mondays?

Every Monday, I will invite people to join me for part of the walk. Locations will be shared weekly based on my progress. There will also be three larger march events in Greater Glasgow, the Liverpool and Manchester area, and Gloucestershire in the Cotswolds. 

These events are open to everyone and are designed to bring communities together and raise visibility in public spaces. Together, these moments will send a clear message that silence and exclusion must end.

Q: What would you say to Deaf community members who feel inspired but unsure where to start?

You are capable of more than you think. You do not need to take on something as large as this to make a difference. Start small, choose something meaningful and ask for support.

Your voice, your story and your efforts all matter. Fundraising is not about perfection; it is about having the courage to begin.

Q: What’s next for you after this journey?

Right now, my focus is on reaching Land’s End. Beyond that, I hope Silent Steps grows into something bigger than a single walk. I want it to inspire ongoing conversations, campaigns, training and real systemic change across the UK.

I am also completing my MA dissertation and plan to develop it into published research. My goal is to use evidence to raise awareness and push for meaningful improvements in access to mental health and emotional support for Deaf people.

Silent Steps is only the beginning of my continued advocacy and commitment to creating a more inclusive future.

Avril begins her walk on Friday 1st May 2026. You can follow her journey via ‘Silent Steps’ on social media platforms.