Avril takes on a historic 1,000‑mile walk to champion the Deaf community

Avril Langard‑Tang, a member of the University's British Sign Language (BSL) team, is preparing to undertake an extraordinary challenge: a solo walk from John O’Groats to Land’s End. Covering approximately 1,000 miles over eight to ten weeks, the journey, named Silent Steps, will mark the first time a Deaf woman has completed this iconic route alone.

Avril begins her walk on Friday, 1 May, covering between 15 and 20 miles each morning, while continuing to work during afternoons throughout the two‑month journey. The challenge is as much about visibility and awareness as it is about physical endurance.

Silent Steps is being undertaken in support of SignHealth, a charity delivering vital healthcare services and advocacy for Deaf people across the UK. By fundraising for SignHealth, Avril aims to shine a spotlight on the health inequalities and systemic barriers faced by the Deaf community, while raising funds to support accessible services and long‑term change.

At the heart of Silent Steps is a commitment to listening, learning, and sharing Deaf lived experiences. Throughout the journey, Avril has planned a series of structured engagement activities designed to amplify Deaf voices and encourage understanding within the wider hearing community.

• Eight Mondays: Avril will walk with small groups of Deaf people to support wellbeing. These walks will provide a space to discuss lived experiences of barriers, with insights shared to help raise awareness.

• Eight Wednesdays: Avril will be joined by well‑known figures from the Deaf community. She will walk and interview each guest, exploring their experiences, achievements, and perspectives.

• Three marches: Avril will also organise along the route, creating visible moments of collective advocacy for inclusion and equality.

Together, these activities transform Silent Steps from a solo endurance challenge into a moving platform for representation, dialogue, and community connection.

Find out more and support Silent Steps

SignHealth fundraising page
GoFundMe page
Avril's interview with The Limping Chicken