Local Heroes

Many deaf people are hindered by a lack of confidence, and for those who are, Carl Morris remains an example of what they can achieve if they have the tenacity to follow their dreams.

Carl was diagnosed as profoundly deaf at the age of two, although he now copes better thanks to a cochlear implant (a small electronic device partly fitted within the ear which improves hearing in the profoundly and totally deaf).

His hearing problems may have affected his ability to join in school sports, but by the age of 16 he was a professional pool player.
Morris became popular in this profession because of his ability to entertain the crowds with his trick shots; and went on to win the World Pool Championships in 1998.

Energy

When researching into Carl’s achievements, it soon became clear that he has boundless energy!
He dedicates himself to raising money for his chosen charities (the National Deaf Children’s Society and Hearing Dogs for Deaf People), running a company dedicated to fundraising, AND keeping up with his pool commitments!

Among the more impressive highlights of recent years are his foreign fundraising ventures.
He has cycled across Vietnam, Namibia in Africa and Cambodia in South East Asia.

Carl Morris in the Arctic

In 2008 he accomplished what is perhaps his most admirable achievement, as he became the first deaf person to trek 70 miles across the Arctic to the Geographical North Pole, raising approximately £50,000 for the NDCS. 

These feats of human endurance spring directly from Morris’ ever-positive attitude, his absolute belief that he can do anything a hearing person can do: “I am determined for my deafness not to be an issue though, and to prove that deaf people can overcome these barriers and achieve anything they set their sights on.”

His prevailing wish to provide other deaf people with a “role model” to encourage them to have confidence in themselves is best reflected in his most challenging fundraising activity.

See: Photos of Carl's triumphs

Arctic

The trek to the North Pole, undertaken with a small team which consisted of others suffering from deafness, was a particularly hazardous journey and is a credit to Morris’ bravery and commitment.

Dragging a load of 40kg, in freezing temperatures ranging from -20C to -35C, his lack of hearing meant the journey was fraught with more dangers than the usual frostbite, hypothermia and polar bears.
The Arctic weather conditions meant that the adventurers had to keep their faces covered, impairing Morris’ ability to lip-read, and the resulting communication barrier left him vulnerable.
It was, in Carl's own words, “a real endurance test” but by exposing himself to such dangers, Morris managed to raise enough money for 10 children to have cochlear implants, which can significantly improve their quality of life.

All in all, this is one tough guy - but with a heart of gold!

Alexandra Greenhalgh

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To see the BBC TV reports, and hear the BBC radio reports, on Carl, click on the links in the top right-hand corner of this page