This week, Signature’s blog focuses on Michael Woods a Deaf father of two who is preparing to climb Mount Everest as part of his epic mission to complete the Seven Summits. Michael got into fitness after he became a father but what started out as a hobby soon developed into a disciplined pursuit of high altitude climbing.
Michael who was born profoundly Deaf has had to learn to navigate life in a hearing world, and his experiences have shaped the determination needed in his climbing pursuits. Through Michael’s challenge, he hopes to inspire the Deaf community and change perceptions surrounding the abilities of those who are deaf.
Make sure to keep reading to find out more:
- Hello Michael, please could you tell us a bit more about yourself.
My name is Michael Woods. I am a Deaf father of two from Liverpool, currently preparing to climb Mount Everest as part of my goal to complete the Seven Summits.
I started climbing ten years ago, and from early on it was always part of a bigger plan. The last four years have been focused specifically on high altitude training, all building towards Everest.
Climbing for me is not random or impulsive. It has been structured, disciplined and intentional from the start. I treat it as a long-term mission rather than just an adventure.
Outside of training and expeditions, I am focused on building something meaningful through this journey and setting a strong example for my family.
- Could you tell us about your experience growing up as a Deaf individual in a hearing world?
I was born profoundly Deaf and growing up in a hearing world meant facing communication barriers from an early age. My primary language is British Sign Language, and I rely on interpreters. I am not strong at lip reading, which has made school, social situations, and work more challenging.
I often had to put in extra effort just to stay included. Even today, I still face communication barriers, particularly in fast moving environments like mountaineering expeditions.
Although it has not always been easy, navigating a hearing world has shaped my independence and resilience. It has taught me to adapt, find solutions and build confidence in myself.
- When did your passion for climbing and the outdoors begin?
My passion for climbing began shortly after my first child was born. I wanted to become a better father by improving my fitness and staying in shape. I started spending more time outdoors and eventually found myself in the mountains.
That is where everything changes. What began as a way to improve myself physically quickly became something much deeper.
Over time, I took mountaineering more seriously. About ten years ago, I set myself a long term goal to climb Mount Everest. Since then, every step has been part of building towards that objective.
What started as fitness became a long term commitment.
- What first inspired you to take on the Seven Summits Challenge?
Everest had been my long-term goal for many years. As I progressed in high altitude mountaineering, I began looking at the wider picture and realised Everest is one of the Seven Summits.
When I discovered that no Deaf person in the world has completed all seven, it struck me deeply. I saw a gap. I saw something that had never been done. And I felt a strong sense of responsibility.
Growing up Deaf, I have lived with people underestimating what is possible. So, when I realised this challenge remained untouched within the Deaf community, it inspired me because it represented more than mountaineering. It represented opportunity.
It gave me purpose beyond personal achievement. I am aiming to become the first Deaf British person to complete the Seven Summits, not just to make history, but to show that Deaf individuals belong in the most extreme environments on Earth.
That is what inspired me. The chance to change perception, not just reach summits.
- Why is raising money for NDCS so important to you?
NDCS has been a huge part of my family’s life because they supported my son Joseph, who is Deaf.
Joseph attends a mainstream school. He did have some support initially, but it was limited and not enough to fully meet his communication needs. During such a crucial stage of learning and development, limited access can have a long-term impact.
It was not an easy journey. We had to fight to ensure he received the appropriate level of support, including full time communication assistance. NDCS played a key role in that process. They provided guidance, advice, and advocacy, helping us navigate his legal rights and push for the support he was entitled to.
Now, Joseph has full time support in school, and that has made a significant difference.
That experience showed me how vital NDCS is within the Deaf community. I fundraise for them because I want every Deaf child to have proper access, inclusion, and the right support in education.
For me, this is deeply personal.
- You often speak about your son and how he has inspired you. Can you share more about the importance of family motivation?
I am a father of two children, Isabella, and Joseph. Joseph is profoundly Deaf, like me.
Becoming a father changed the direction of my life. It made me think about the example I was setting, not just what I was achieving.
When Joseph was born and we learned he was Deaf, it felt deeply personal. I understand the barriers he will face because I have lived them. That gives me an even stronger drive to show him what is possible.
I do not want my children to grow up hearing words about resilience. I want them to see it in action. The early morning, the discipline, the setbacks, the persistence.
Everything I push for now is bigger than a summit. It is about showing my children that limits are not fixed. They are challenged.
That is what drives me.
- What would it mean to become one of the few Deaf climbers to summit Everest?
It would be one of the most defining moments of my life.
Summiting Everest is already rare. To do it as one of the few Deaf climbers in the world would carry even greater weight. It would represent years of barriers, adaptation, and resilience, not just on the mountain, but in life.
Personally, it would be the completion of a goal I set more than a decade ago. Every sacrifice, every disciplined decision, every time I chose training over comfort would lead to that single moment.
But beyond that, it should shift perception.
Standing on the highest point on Earth would show clearly that Deafness does not limit ambition. It does not exclude us from extreme environments. It does not reduce our capability.
If I can reach that summit, I would know that Deaf children everywhere could look at it and think, if he can do it, then my dream is possible too.
That is what it would mean to me.
- What message do you hope young Deaf athletes take from this challenge?
I would say that the journey is never smooth. There will be ups and downs. I have had difficult periods where things did not go to plan, and other times where progress felt strong. That is normal. Every stage teaches you something.
Being Deaf can mean facing extra barriers in sport and in life. Communication can be challenging and sometimes it can feel frustrating. I still experience that. But what I have learned is that setbacks are not the end. You adapt. You find another route. You keep moving forward, even if the progress is slow.
I am not saying it is easy, it is not, but consistency matters more than perfection. Just keep going, step by step.
9. Beyond Everest, what is next for you?
Everest is one of my biggest goals, but it does not end there. If I successfully summit Everest, I want to use that experience as a platform. I plan to step further into motivational speaking, sharing my journey with Deaf children and adults show that Deafness should never limit ambition.
The Seven Summits remains part of my long-term vision. It has always been about progression and building something meaningful over time. Looking further ahead, I also hope one day to have the opportunity to attempt K2. It is one of the most respected and demanding mountains in the world. I do not take that lightly. K2 represents another level of seriousness and commitment, and that challenge attracts me.
But beyond any summit, my focus is impact. I want to raise awareness around Deaf capability, accessibility and opportunity. I want my story to encourage others to aim higher and work towards their own goals. The mountains are part of the journey. The real goal is the difference I can make because of them.
Here at Signature, we’re incredibly grateful to Michael Woods for taking the time to share his journey with us. As he works toward becoming the first Deaf person to conquer the Seven Summits, his resilience, passion, and unwavering determination continue to inspire us. Michael is showing deaf children and adults that no peak is too high.