Published on 02 December 2020
Chris Cameron bagged a weekly slot on community radio station Spark Sunderland, based at our University, after impressing producers with his pitch for a show dedicated to UK hip-hop
Within three weeks Chris had passed his compliance test and continues to amaze his peers with his seamless production skills, despite living with partial sight in both eyes since birth.
And now he hopes to inspire other people living with disabilities to pursue their own ambitions as he works towards his dream career in radio.
Chris, from Hebburn, said: “Just because someone has a disability, it doesn’t mean that they should limit themselves to what they can achieve.
“There will always be ways to work around a disability and I’m a firm believer that anyone can get to where they want to be if they put the work in and believe in themselves.”
The first year Media Production student at Sunderland, which homes Spark Sunderland, was born with 20 per cent sight in his right eye and almost no sight in his left eye.
He uses enlarged print on computer and mobile phone screens to complete his studies a sighted guide who helps him to navigate around campus.
Since starting at the university in September Chris has performed well in his studies and has now successfully completed his second show at the station, following its launch on November 2.
The full-time community radio station airing across Sunderland is operated entirely by volunteers, many who study at university.
And Chris hopes his show, Homegrown Hip-Hop, will provide exposure for hip-hop artists in the North East.
He added: “I’ve always had a passion for creating content and I love music.
“I’ve been a fan of hip-hop since the age of 14 and I’ve learnt a lot about it. So I thought a show on that style of music would be my expertise and the feedback I’ve received so far has been really positive.”
After securing his radio show, Chris shared the news with his former religious studies teacher, Andrew Young, who he has stayed in contact with since leaving St Joseph's Catholic Academy, in Hebburn.
Andrew said: “Chris leaves a footprint on parts of everybody he meets because he is the nicest, most humble, kind and loving student you could ever meet.
“He never lets his disability get the better of him, he uses it to his advantage and he’s so appreciative of every opportunity that comes his way.”
He added: “I’m over the moon for Chris and I know he will do amazing with his show as it’s something he has always dreamed of.
“At one point he thought his disability would hinder his opportunities in life but he works tirelessly hard and never lets anything stop him. He fully deserves this opportunity.”
Homegrown Hip-Hop airs every Monday from 9pm-10pm on Spark FM, which is available at 107 FM, online at sparksunderland.com and on mobile via the major radio apps.
Images and copy supplied by Chronicle Live