Violinist determined to thrive despite disability

Matthew English has also been his grandfather's carer for the last four years

A hearing impaired man from West Sussex who was gifted his first violin by The Osmonds has refused to let his disability get in the way of his dreams.

Matthew English, 19, was born with microtia atresia - a condition which means a person has no ear or ear canal.

Mr English, who hails from Lancing but lives in Kent in order to be a full-time carer for his grandfather, says that balancing those responsibilities with his music is a "tough task".

"It's quite hard work, but I wouldn't want to have it any other way. I have [the] joy of giving him care and making sure he's happy," he said.

Mr English was given a One Big Thank You by Donny Osmond last month

Mr English's musical journey began after a chance meeting with The Osmonds.

While he longed to play the violin, he was unable to take private lessons or be taught at school.

However, he caught the attention of Jimmy Osmond while watching the band perform in Croydon in 2012 and was invited onto the band's tour bus to meet other members, where he told his story.

Five months later, he was gifted his first violin by Merrill and Justin Osmond at a charity gala in Leeds.

Then in January this year, Donny Osmond gave Matthew a One Big Thank You on BBC's The One Show in recognition of the years he has spent playing for charities and in care homes.

Mr English said performing in care homes was the "most rewarding" gig around.

"I could play in pubs, clubs, festivals – whatever. But you never get the same enjoyment as you do in a care home," he told BBC Radio Sussex.

He is also a regular speaker at Microtia UK and other charity events for people with the condition.

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