24-02-2025
Autistic man cannot speak but 'beautiful' voice goes viral
A man with severe autism who cannot speak has been given the chance to be heard thanks to his "beautiful voice".Martin Finn, 32, is non-verbal but his singing talent has caught the attention of Irish music duo, Foster and singer, who developed his musical talents at Landgate School and College, in Wigan, was invited to sing on the duo's new album for their cover of 'Flying Without Wings'. His proud parents, John and Norma Finn, said the invitation from the chart-topping duo is better than "winning the lottery" because it means the world to Martin.
Mr Finn said Martin "lives for music" and added they knew he could sing from an early age despite being non-verbal."If you asked him his name he couldn't respond so to hear him singing was unbelievable," he Finn added: "He sings all the time and his mum and dad are very proud of him".Martin's singing talents began when a former headteacher at the school bought him a karaoke machine, and before long he was singing to his favourite artists including James Blunt, Coldplay, Take That and Snow Patrol.
Julie Hewitt, a teaching assistant at Landgate School and College, said it is lovely to watch Martin doing something he loves. "It just shows you even with a disability your dreams can still be there. "You can still do something that you're passionate about and that you love". Since his singing talents have emerged Martin has gone on to sing at staff member's weddings and at his local even appeared on BBC's Autistic Superstars in 2010.
His parents have said Mick Foster and Tony Allen, of Foster and Allen, have given their son a "wonderful opportunity" to be said when he sent the song over to Martin to learn, he "could not believe he had it word for word"."It was note for note perfect, everything about it was perfect. "People ask us what was your favourite thing that happened in your career and I always used to say Top Of The Pops because it was magic, but I think being in the studio with Martin really goes above Top Of The Pops, without a shadow of a doubt".Mick added: "If it gives hope to other people that have autistic kids that's more important than whether the song will go to number one or not".
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