Mikey’s father, Jason Riddington- Smith, said: “It would be unbearable for Mikey if he knew at the age of 13 that we did not allow the operation that would give him the opportunity to hear.”

Edward, like Mikey, took a keen interest in dancing at an early age and realised that hip-hop freestyle was his forté.

Edward’s parents Duncan and Lisa Jones said: “We were very proud of him and Mikey at representing Britain and standing on the podium whilst the national anthem was playing.”
Edward has shown eagerness to compete in next year’s world championship as well. Mikey and Edward were inspired by Mark Cameron who was part of Nemesis – finalists in Britain’s Got Talent – and won three world titles in Poland this year.

Both dancers attended many of Mark’s classes in preparation for the world championships.

At the age of 11, Mikey made a request to join a street dance club and his parents were naturally concerned that he would not be able to access and interpret the music like his hearing peers.

After sheer dedication and persistence he joined a street dancing club – ‘Dancevybz’, where he and Edward still attend.

Within three months of joining, Mikey had won his first title at Luton and has gone on to win seven regional titles in hip-hop freestyle, breakdancing and dance duets.

Mikey hopes to be a role model for other disabled children who want to exceed in their fields of interest. He attended the Visual and Hearing Impairment Centre in Kempston last week to promote extra activities for disabled children.

Mikey is also an established actor and appeared on BBC2’s ‘My Almost Famous Family’ for his central role in the British short film ‘Caterpillar’.