3:34pm Wednesday 19th November 2008
By Andy Carswell
A BLIND Elvis fan has helped raise money for charity by taking part in a gruelling gym challenge.
Andrew Stewart did 50 repetitions of each task, including squat thrusts and bench presses – and did three laps of the circuit at the Physique gym in White Hill, Chesham.
The 23-year-old raised the money for the Chicken Shed theatre company, a drama group for people with disabilities, and Leonard Cheshire Disability, whose support team helped get Mr Stewart get his own flat.
He said: “I was pretty tired afterwards, but it's all for people who have helped me.”
Mr Stewart, from Alexander Street, Chesham, said he didn't know how much he had managed to raise so far.
The Amersham and Wycombe College student lost his sight as a three-year-old after contracting meningitis, but this has not stopped him enjoying his hobbies of going to the gym and the pub – and taking part in karaoke as his hero.
Mr Stewart said: “I might be registered blind but nothing holds me back. I try to do as much as I possibly can. I get on quite independently.
“I don't have any recollection of the sight I had because I lost it when I was fairly young.”
Earlier this year he lived the dream by visiting the real Elvis's home in Memphis, Tennessee – although that nearly ended in embarrassment.
Mr Stewart said: “My support workers were with me. There were signs saying 'Do not touch'. You can guess what happened – they touched the items and set off the alarms. They tried to blame me.
“We've seen the funny side of it though.”
He regularly sings hits from his hero at karaoke events in Chesham, mainly at the Elephant and Castle in Waterside.
He said: “I try to vary it and do different songs, rather than do the same ones every time.”
He is supported by carers from the Leonard Cheshire Disability charity, which is holding a Christmas fair and open day at Chiltern House in Packhorse Road, Gerrards Cross, on Saturday November 29.
The event lasts 10.30am-12.30pm and Mr Stewart will be talking about the charity and the work they do.
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