About

When I decided to go out for a few drinks with my mates one night, little did I know I would find my career path and begin a long and difficult journey in order to achieve it. I was not aware the bar we had chosen was hosting a promotional night for a large Manchester radio station. As I entered the Ashton under Lyne bar two Dj’s were buying drinks for all and attracting a large crowd. I didn’t listen to much radio so I was unaware of their local celebrity status. It seemed these two young men had a life of riley, 4 hours a day in a studio talking about music and current affairs, with the bonus of a hefty wage packet at the end of the week. This seemed a very attractive job and one in which the only major work tool was your voice.   

However in my case there was a significant problem. From childhood I had suffered from a serious stammer which made communication very difficult. The idea of any involvement in radio broadcasting seemed, for me, completely impossible.

I awoke early the next morning to catch the Dj’s breakfast show; hopefully they would mention my name on air. They never did, instead they chatted about which girl had the shortest skirt and who drank the most. I felt sick; something was telling me this industry was the one for me. But how would I possibly be able to work in an industry were vocal communication plays such a major part? Similarly how would I present a radio show when I had difficulty even saying my own name?

Before I continue let me make it clear that during my childhood I had undergone several attempts at NHS speech therapy, with very little success. With this in mind I felt there was no hope and I would be lumbered with this problem for the rest of my life. Having a stammer doesn’t just effect you physically it also effects you mentally and zaps your self confidence. I was always teased and bullied at school. When the going got tough I would occasionally, fake illnesses in order to have a day off. Certain teachers would sympathise and give me support; but others would force me to read in class, which was a terrifying experience.        

I was brought up in a loving Christian family who had supported me in anything I had ever done. However during my teenage years I let my religious beliefs slip believing I could conquer my problems on my own. I soon realised this was simply not true and I turned to God once again.

One day however, my prayers were answered. My mother returned home from my younger brother’s school and told me she had found herself in conversation with a parent named Melanie Ashton. Mel was an experienced drama teacher and the conversation had strayed onto my predicament. She was certain she could help! I attempted to ring Mel but had to hang up briskly when I couldn’t get the words out. On the third attempt I managed to force out who I was to Mel’s husband and waited for Mel to pick up the phone. After a long conversation Mel was insistent that she would cure me. As you can imagine I was sceptical but this was my last hope and I was willing to give anything a go. The first session I remember was a hugely daunting experience, I didn’t know what to expect. It was not until the second session that the hard work really began. The first stage was to teach me breathing exercises by wrapping a belt around my chest and beginning each sentence with a big breath. Next was to build up my confidence by interviewing several of Mel’s drama pupils. As you can imagine this was a very embarrassing and terrifying experience for me. I was set exercises to complete at home, twice a day. This included the belt exercise and also pronouncing certain word whilst biting on a cork. This sounds strange but it builds up the lip and jaw muscles and enables clearer pronunciation. Quickly an improvement became apparent and after about a month I could string a sentence together. After 3 months my speech was broken up but holding a conversation became possible. After 6 months I had been blessed with the use of my voice. I could now speak on the phone, ask for things in shops, and be included in conversations expressing my own views and feelings.

While all this was going on in my life, I was nearing the end of a college course in ICT. With my new found interest in radio and my new found voice the ICT course seemed somewhat mundane, however I struggled on and managed to pass the course. What to do next? The majority of my friends had taken A levels and were preparing to start university. I knew if I was to go to University the only subject I wanted to study was media.

I managed to get into University by the skin of my teeth! The course I applied for had a number of free places and they were willing to accept me with the barest of academic qualifications. It was always going to be a problem for me being on a course which involved a large amount of speaking and reading. Although I could speak fairly fluently my confidence was still low. When I began university my plan was to hide the fact that I had ever stammered. I didn’t want people’s sympathy and I wanted to be judged simply on the quality of my work. It was not until the 2nd year that I decided to tell people about my stammering past. I remember being shocked how surprised people were. I imagined many had already noticed!
 
In July 2005 I managed to fulfil one part of my dream when I graduated from Manchester University with a degree in Media Radio production. To date that was the proudest moment of my life. To any graduate it’s a proud moment, but to me it held a special significance.

 

“I asked God that I might achieve…..
                        I was made weak that I might learn to obey.
I asked God for health that I might do great things….
                        I was given infirmity that I might do better things.
I asked for riches that I might be happy….
                        I was given poverty that I might be wise.
I asked for power that I might have the praise of men…
                        I was given weakness
                                                That I might feel the need of God.
I asked for all things that I might enjoy life….
                        I was given life that I might enjoy all things.

I got nothing I asked for but everything I hoped for.
Also, despite myself,
                        My unspoken prayers were answered.
I am, amongst all people, most richly blessed.”

(Author Unknown) 

If you wish to view his CV, you can click the link at the side of the page, or see below for viewing in three separate formats.

CV Download: