Inspirational student who fails to let blindness stand in his way strikes Gold in national Radio Awards.
Chris Cameron, from Hebburn, to join ranks of BBC Radio 1 presenters.
A Sunderland University student who dreams of being a successful national radio presenter has won the opportunity to host his own BBC Radio 1 show next week.
Chris Cameron, a former pupil of St Joseph’s Catholic Academy in Hebburn, only has 3% vision – but has never let his blindness stand in the way of achieving whatever he sets his mind to.
In fact, his former St Joseph’s teacher Andrew Young describes him as a “role model” and an “inspiration” to everyone who meets him.
Chris was named Best Newcomer at last year’s National Student Radio Awards – but this year took Gold in the best presenter category at the awards, as well as the Bronze award in the Inclusion, Diversity and Equality category for his documentary on asexuality.
“He’s absolutely amazing,” said Mr Young, who is head of religious studies at St Joseph’s, which is part of Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust.
“I met Chris when I first joined the school in 2015 and he was in year nine.
“He has 3% vision and is severely restricted in terms of his blindness, but when I first got here, he was trying out for the school football team.
“When he’s got his heart set on something, he just goes for gold.”
And that’s exactly what he’s achieved with his radio career so far, with his Gold award helping him to secure his own show on Radio 1 on Thursday December 29th between 6pm and 8pm.
After successfully completing his A-levels at St Joseph’s, including an A-Level in Religious Studies, Chris joined Sunderland University to study media production.
He also joined Spark FM, Sunderland University’s student radio, as a presenter and quickly got into the role.
After being named best newcomer in the country at last year’s Student Radio Awards, he received feedback from executives at media companies like Bauer on how he could take his career to the next level.
Now, after being named the best presenter of student radio in the country, there is no stopping him.
“He goes from strength to strength and inspires everyone he meets,” says Mr Young.
“Now he will have the chance to go down to the studio of BBC Radio 1 in London and see how everything works in a national radio station.
“He’s a role model for other students and everyone who meets him.
“He’s salt of the earth – just phenomenal.”
Chris will be on BBC Radio 1 on Thursday 29th December between 6pm and 8pm.