‘My dad died within a year of his motor-neurone disease diagnosis – he was my inspiration into music’

At 24 years old, I had to watch doctors turn my dad’s life support machine off. After losing him, I became a recluse, as all I had known for the past year was to be his carer. 

I grew up in a very musical household. My dad, Peter, ran a liberal club and organised their events, but gave it up when I was born. My mum, Glenys, had a love for theatre and the arts, regularly attending shows in the audience. From both of their hobbies, I was inspired to go into the creative industry for my career. 

My parents’ connections to culture meant I was interested in theatre and arts. I spent my summer holidays volunteering at local radio stations and then went on to study at the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts, where I gained my degree in technical theatre. 

My family were so supportive of my career in the creative industry. Dad had told me stories about when he used to run the club, and it was nice to talk about his past. He came to my university to watch our shows, and after graduation he came to events I worked as a freelancer on. 

Dad was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in April 2023, when I was 23 years old. At the start of his diagnosis, it was manageable. I could leave him with food, and Mum was there to look after him.  

At my graduation, Dad was there with a crutch because of the disease. He was fighting his own battles but was still able to be there for my celebrations. 

Towards the end, he was really struggling, as the disease progressed. Some days were real trying for him, but we did the best we could to make sure he was comfortable.  

After two months in hospital, the disease and pneumonia had taken its toll on his body, the doctors consulted us, and we let him go peacefully.  

It was really difficult, and I became a bit of a recluse after that. I asked myself, ‘what do I do now?’ I got into a series of repetition of going and seeing him every day, and that was just gone.  

It was after his death when I saw The King’s Trust course on Instagram. I thought, ‘I’ve got nothing to better to do now Dad’s gone, so let’s see what happens’. 

I was interested in their ’Get Into DJing’ programme with Idris Elba, which introduces young people not in employment or education to taster sessions on DJing. I’d always had an interest in DJing and thought this would be a great opportunity to have a better education into the craft. 

The course got me out of my shell and talking to people, away from grieving for a week. I found it really helpful, and the people were kind. 

The support I received was amazing. I’m still in touch with the staff who worked on the programme almost a year later. They regularly check in and we catch up on our lives. 

After the course, there were opportunities that came to me, such as performing at the Kings Trust Awards, at what once was the iconic Sankey’s nightclub, completing a radio takeover with Reform Radio and meeting His Majesty King Charles, who is the Royal Founding Patron of The King's Trust, at a Youth Summit at St James’ Palace. 

It was very surreal to think I was sat on the same table as the King of the United Kingdom. I couldn’t believe I was sat there with him and others like Kier Starmer and Idris Elba. 

After working with The King’s Trust, I went back to helping out on local projects. I had a break from working with them for eight months with dad being unwell, but I realised how much the arts are needed for the younger generation to inspire them. There’s an importance in giving back and supporting. 

I really enjoyed my time with The King's Trust. I appreciate the support that's come through all the fun adventures, as they understood there's an array of reasons why someone may be unemployed. 

After The King’s Trust, I found confidence to push myself to get gigs and received opportunities to DJ at events, such as Street Fest in Stalybridge and playing on a lineup at Bag Factory in Manchester.  

A lot of DJs now produce their own music to give them an edge in the industry. My next goal is to complete the music course and learn how to produce my own music I think that would be really helpful for my career. 

Generationally music has always been about telling a story, and I try to do that with my DJ sets. It's a path that I use to try to cope with the loss of my dad. 

My Dad’s death is still raw. But if you go out and find a purpose that keeps you going, whilst doing something you love, it feels like life can continue. For me, that was my creativity through music, and that’s what my Dad and The King’s Trust encouraged me to pursue. 

Matthew at the Kings Trust awards.