John has Ushers Syndrome which causes Deaf-blindness. 

John has a long list of achievements to his name including being the first blind person to successfully summit the Eiger, winning six international medals in climbing in the B2 category being recognised as one of survivalist Bear Grylls’ heroes.

John is always eager to challenge perceptions. He regularly visits schools and teaches young people how to climb. He also recently developed a website, along with his friend and sight-guide Lauren, that provides information about climbing with a visual impairment or blindness. 

John is always keen to try new things and uses social media to share his adventures. During lockdown John learnt to sail and has gained his Level 1. He has also tackled the famous Commando Ridge climb in Cornwall which he led from the front. The nature of the climb meant that he had to do it without any help from a sight guide. In total the climb took eight and a half hours and made the local news.