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VIDEO: 30 stone Leeds DJ's bid to become half a man
THE world's first deaf blind DJ is taking up a challenge to become half the man he is.
Mike Gerwat – better known by stage name "the Big MG" – weighs in at around 30 stone but is now determined to lose up to 15 stone or half his bodyweight.
Former piano tuner Mike, 60, has tuned the pianos of the rich and famous including Elton John, Bob Dylan, Genesis, U2, Simple Minds, Wham and Siouxsie and the Banshees.
Now using his musical memory and despite the fact he cannot hear tunes, he's a hit on the decks playing 60s, 70s and 80s music.
The vice-chairman of the Leeds Society for Deaf and Blind People is ditching his favourite fish and chips and vindaloo curries for healthy salads and home made vegetable soups.
Mike, of Middleton, Leeds, who was born blind and lost his hearing in his 40s, said: "The diet is hard for me, as I love food, but for the last two months, I have resisted and already lost over a stone in weight.
"I've previously tried every diet going such as The Atkins and cabbage soup diet, but really want to have a gastric band fitted but have to lose weight.
"I feel restricted by my weight and really miss exercising. I want to regain my active life again, so I need to lose weight," said Mike.
He lost his hearing suddenly when he was 40 and had to stop tuning pianos as he could no longer hear the notes.
He said: "For some unknown reason, I lost all my hearing and had no other communication than the hand language before I had my first cochlear implant fitted in 1992.
"Now I can hear people's voices, although they sound like electronic daleks, but I can't really hear tunes, I just know how to work the controls on the decks."
He recalled the years between 1968 and 1989 when he tuned pianos for a living and loved mingling with the stars backstage.
He said: "I was employed by Leeds University Union and when stars came on tour to the region I was called in to tune their pianos.
"Another time I was once tuning Elton John's piano and he overheard me playing some of his songs while setting up and he joked: 'Well I may as well go home now after hearing you play!'"
He added that his favourite ever band was Genesis.
Lindsey Wilson, of the Leeds Society for Deaf and Blind People, said: "Mike is doing a great job so far and is determined to lose the weight.
"He really is a star and thought to be the world's first deaf blind DJ. He is a true inspiration to deafblind people."
Now Mike is fundraising for the society, based at city centre Centenary House, where he has been an active member for 20 years.
To sponsor Mike, call Lindsey Wilson on 0113 2438328 or visit www.leedsdeaf andblind.org.uk.
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Friday 25 May 2012
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