Overcoming Adversity: Michael Ellis

KEEN climber Michael Ellis has been nominated for the Overcoming Adversity award, which is sponsored by Close Finance.

‘Life has given Michael many obstacles to overcome, he is autistic and partially-sighted,’ said nominator Ellie Jones.

‘This can mean everyday tasks are difficult, but the community’s attitudes towards him can also be a challenge.

‘People tend to understand little of the day-to-day challenges that he can face living in a world that is designed for neurotypical, fully-sighted people.

‘All in all Michael has shown what is possible within difficult circumstances and that you can be productive, make a difference and that everyone matters.’

Michael, 51, has been climbing with Climb LBG since May last year and will be competing in the BMC Paraclimbing Championships in September.

He also recently completed his indoor climbing assistant qualification to be able to help others to climb.

‘On a personal level it has been so exciting and such a huge achievement for me, so I wanted to be able to help other people do the same,’ he said.

He is also part of the Guernsey Welsh Male Voice Choir and will be performing at the Six Nations Rugby Championship in February next year.

On top of those personal things, he is a Guernsey Disability Alliance accessibility ambassador, and works with Liberate and Autism Guernsey.