A PARTIALLY sighted former St Joseph’s Catholic Academy pupil has won a highly acclaimed accolade at the national student radio awards.

Chrissy Cameron, who has very limited sight in both eyes, was named ‘Best Newcomer’ at the 2021 Student Radio Awards (SRAs) which is sponsored by BBC Sounds and Global.

The award follows Chrissy enrolling onto a media production course in September 2020 at Sunderland University.

Not long after starting the course, Chrissy joined the university’s radio station, Spark FM, where he presents a weekly hip hop show that attracts an army of student listeners every Monday night.

Chrissy Cameron said: “I’m totally over the moon to win the Best Newcomer Award at such a prestigious event.

“Presenting my own radio show is what I’ve always wanted to do and Spark FM has given me an incredible platform to gain hands-on experience of running my own show, managing the content and attracting a regular fan base.

“I think disability is a misleading term because it suggests that you’re less able and that’s not true. I might have eyesight challenges but I can still pursue my life goals and I hope I encourage others in my situation to do the same.”

Since 1995, The SRAs have celebrated the finest talent within the UK student radio industry. The awards cover a number of categories, ranging from Best Newcomer, Best Interview and Best Live Event to Best Student Station of the Year.

Andrew Young, religious studies teacher at Hebburn-based St Joseph’s Catholic Academy, which is part of Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust, said: “I’ll always remember how positive Chrissy was while being fiercely resilient and strong willed too.

“He never once let his disability get in the way of who he was, shape his ambitions or hold him back in any way.

“This award is not only a credit to his talent and a sign of his future successful career in radio but it also recognises Chrissy’s determination to pursue his dreams despite facing adversity.

“He’s a great model to all young people, demonstrating that you truly can be anything or anyone you want to be.

“Well done, Chrissy on your award - no one deserves it more than you.”

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