In April 2008, I Oliver Westbury became the first profoundly deaf person to reach the Geographic North Pole (90°N) on foot.
I am profoundly deaf and generally use British Sign Language to communicate.
I decided to join the NDCS North Pole Expedition, a unique challenge that reached the Geographic North Pole from 13–29 April 2008. I trekked 70 miles with six teammates across some of the most hostile wilderness on Earth to raise vital funds for the National Deaf Children’s Society (NDCS). The expedition aimed to complete a surface crossing of the Arctic Ocean between latitude 89°N and the Geographic North Pole at 90°N, known as “The Last Degree.” This involved travelling 60 nautical miles (approximately 70 statute miles) while pulling 40 kg pulks across ice and snow.
We reached the North Pole (90°N) on Monday, 21 April 2008.
There were seven of us in the team:
4 hearing people and 3 deaf individuals, each with different deaf identities:
Oliver: Born profoundly deaf
Ian Berry: Hard of hearing (hearing loss occurred on a plane due to an “ear bomb” at age 40)
Carl Morris: Lost his hearing at age three due to meningitis
Our had a hair-raising morning as there was a very strong westerley drift. The wind was blowing as fast as they could walk so they were concerned that if they didn’t make it today, they wouldn’t make it at all!
It has been much clearer this afternoon and they were all very excited to reach the North Pole but surprised at the ever-changing formation of the Pole. As they put it ’our Pole is no-one else’s as it soon drifts past’. For a few seconds we were on top of the world. It is good to know that the first deaf person to reach the North Pole is British.
I am raised a huge £27,000 in aid of the National Deaf Children’s Society for this expedition. I have done lots of fundraising for various events e.g. 180 days unshaved beard, New Year eve party, Barn dance plus many more..
When I arrived at London Airport. I was big shocked when my family show me “The News” Portsmouth Newspaper with my face on the front page.
I’ve received an “our Heroes” Fundraiser of the Year award winning from South London Newspaper on December 2008 (Link – Click No 18 picture).
http://www.ndcschallenges.org.uk/challenges/north_pole/
http://www.justgiving.com/oliverwestbury
http://www.justgiving.com/180dayitch