Deaf lecturer's 1,000-mile solo walking challenge

A university lecturer is aiming to become the first deaf woman to walk solo between John O'Groats and Land's End to highlight barriers faced by the deaf community.

Avril Langard-Tang, a senior lecturer in BA Interpreting at the University of Wolverhampton, started the 1,000-mile (1,609km) mission on 1 May and expects it to take between eight and 10 weeks.

The 50-year-old, from Malvern, Worcestershire, said the challenge, called Silent Steps, would raise money for SignHealth, a charity that provides healthcare support and advocacy for deaf people.

Langard-Tang said she wanted the walk to "show what deaf people can achieve" and "make barriers visible and push for change".

She will walk between 15 to 20 miles each day, while continuing to work remotely in the afternoons during the challenge.

"Deaf people often face barriers and are let down by systems like healthcare, education and employment. We are often left out and unheard.

"I wanted to use this walk to represent that experience - walking solo and becoming the first deaf woman to complete this route independently."

Langard-Tang said the challenge had already tested her physically and mentally, particularly during the opening stages in Scotland.

"The weather in Scotland has been very unpredictable - rain, sunshine, cold, even hail - sometimes all in one day," she said.

"The Highland terrain has also been tough so it's been physically and mentally challenging."

Alongside the fundraising effort, Langard-Tang has been organising walks and interviews with members of the deaf community along the route to encourage discussion about access and communication barriers.

"Deaf people are not the problem - the barriers are," she added.

"Access and communication should be normal, not optional. If services were designed properly for deaf people, many of these barriers wouldn't exist."

Langard-Tang said her decision to support SignHealth was shaped by personal experience after struggling to access bereavement counselling following the death of her mother.

"When I lost my mum at 24, there was no accessible counselling available to me as a deaf person," she said.

"This is still a major issue today. Many deaf people experience poor mental health because of barriers to support."

So far, Langard-Tang said she has raised about £7,000 and hoped to eventually reach £25,000.

She added: "I hope [my challenge] inspires others in the deaf community and helps shift attitudes in wider society."

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