Ain’t no mountain high enough

In preparation for becoming chair of Deafblind UK (DbUK), Bob Nolan, has pledged to complete a challenge that no deafblind person has completed before. He will climb Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon, cycling the 483-mile route to each mountain too.

Mr Nolan, who is currently chair of Deafblind Scotland (DbS) hopes that the challenge will raise awareness of DbUK, as well as its sister charities in other countries.

Guided by his wife, Mr Nolan will climb Ben Nevis on 18 June, Scafell Pike on 22 June and Snowdon on 25 June. His friends Jerry and Fred will guide Mr Nolan on a tandem bike between the mountains.

Mr Nolan aims to complete the challenge ahead of Deafblind Awareness Week, which begins on 25 June.

Speaking about why he is embarking on the challenge, Mr Nolan said: “Sadly the incidence of deafblindness is growing in the UK, with over 400,000 people now struggling with the everyday challenges of normal life. I want to raise awareness and let people understand that whilst dual sensory loss is isolating for so many, it doesn’t have to be. I hope that by completing this challenge, I can inspire others to come forward and with the help and support of DBUK and DbS achieve their own ambitions whatever they may be.”

Mr Nolan was born deaf and had progressive sight loss. He now has just 3% of his vision left.

However, he is no stranger to a challenge and has previously backpacked solo around the world, crossed England on foot, run numerous marathons and cycled thousands of miles for charity.

Commenting on what he is most looking forward to during the challenge, Mr Nolan said: “I am looking forward to climbing Ben Nevis as that will mean the training is over. The thing I am least looking forward to is cycling the hills, not the uphill climbs as you might expect, but the fast descents. I struggle to anticipate corners and changes in light anyway, but at speeds in excess of 40mph, I have to put all my trust in my guides and as the world rushes by, it’s terrifying.”