Steve's spinning discs to save lives
A HARTLEPOOL man who survived meningitis is bravely taking on musicians from around the world in a global DJing competition.
Steve Walker, 42, aka DJ Maestro was named Newcastle's best DJ in the very same competition 21 years ago.
The stepfather-of-two, now realises just how lucky he was to survive the killer disease in 2006.
At the time, he had spent four days in bed unable to move before he eventually managed to get to hospital with what doctors later diagnosed as suspected meningitis.
Steve also developed encephalitis (brain swelling) and has been in and out of hospital ever since. Several years later he had a suspected stroke which he is still having treatment for.
He's been left suffering memory loss and painful headaches but he is rebuilding his life and is determined to raise awareness of the disease and make a positive difference.
Steve is supporting Meningitis UK during the DMC world DJ championships and is waiting the arrival of a new DJ mixer supplied by competition sponsor Spin Rane and Serato.
The competition begins with a YouTube submission in February before live heats in the summer.
He said: "I have been through six years of really tough times since I became ill. There have been quite a few set backs but I am learning to live with my memory loss and various other problems it left me with. I know things won't change now - I have good days and bad days, but you just have to go on.
"I know I am lucky to be alive. I know that although I have been left with headaches and after-effects, that it could have been so much worse.
"Now I want to do something really positive to help people to understand meningitis and its affects – because it is a very misunderstood disease.
"I have now got the confidence to get back into my DJing after meeting up with the Beat Freekz DJ crew from Blackpool while watching last year's heat. I want to do something fun and worthwhile to help spread the message and support a great cause and hopefully my love of music and my talent can make a difference."
The superstar DJ doesn't like to pigeon-hole the style of music he plays, but he does drop a few hip-hop beats, break-beats and other musical styles into the mix. As long as the music's good, he says he plays anything from 1970's funk all the way through to house and drum and bass.
Meningitis UK chief executive Kate Rowland said: "We have been completely inspired by Steve's positivity and determination to help us raise awareness of meningitis.
"Steve has bravely learned to adapt his life and work around his memory impairments. This is not the case with everyone who contracts this disease and sadly we talk to families everyday who have lost loved ones to this disease.
"Meningitis can strike with incredible speed and is notoriously difficult to diagnose. This is why at Meningitis UK we are solely dedicated to finding a preventative vaccine to protect lives in the future."
Cases of meningitis traditionally peak in February and the charity is encouraging people to trust their instincts and contact their GP immediately if they suspect a case of the disease.
To request a free symptoms fridge magnet or find out more about the charity's Search 4 A Vaccine Campaign, please call 0117 947 6320 or visit: www.meningitisuk.org
MeningitisUK · Registered Charity No.1076774
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