My track record

Spinning records as a mobile DJ has helped Dave Wood cope with his depression and win back his self-esteem

My work as a mobile DJ has enabled me to take control of my life and regain my self-esteem and sense of self-worth.

I started working as a mobile DJ full-time in March. I have more than 25,000 tracks in my collection and I play at pubs, leisure centres and venues within a 40-mile radius of Chesterfield.

Three years ago, my health was spinning out of control, with nearly fatal consequences. I had to lose over 16 stone following a gastric bypass. I'm still recovering my mobility and have a history of depression and chronic fatigue syndrome.

But starting this business has given me something to focus on and helped me to beat the depression.

I have a residency in a very busy pub in Sheffield on a Friday and Saturday night. The clientele is 18 -30 years old on Friday and they want up-to-date chart music. But on Saturday the crowd is 30-plus and they want music from the 60s, 70s and 80s.

I have also done rock nights, country/linedancing, northern soul/Motown and even a 1940s theme night in period dress.

I recently DJed for a wedding where the bride and groom wanted their first dance to start with the first 60 seconds of Barry Manilow’s Mandy fading into The Birdie Song, as that was their special song. It went down a storm, with more than 150 people joining them on the dance floor.

I use the latest computer technology and LED and laser lights. This has reduced the size and weight of my equipment significantly and means I can handle and transport it more easily. I am not 100 per cent fit and venues could be anywhere and have access problems from being on the third floor and having no lift to being in the middle of a field. I have to carry my equipment as I can’t use a trolley.

I am considering taking on more employees to cope with bookings I am having to turn down.

Don't get me wrong. It’s a big decision to give up that security of a regular benefit. But my advice to anyone thinking of setting up their own business would be to take a gamble. Do your research, get help from the organisations and advisors that are out there. The job centre, tax man, Business Link, the Chambers of Commerce, and the diversity training and consultancy company Disability Dynamics, were all fantastic to me and I would like to say a big thank you to them all for helping me to set up my business.

You will be surprised how approachable and helpful they are. I know I was.

DAVE WOOD: CAREER PATH

• 1976 – left Ernest Bailey Grammar School, Matlock, at 16
• 1978 – left High Peak College of Further Education, Buxton
• Worked in a number of jobs in leisure and catering including chef, pub manager and lorry driver
• 2007 – set up DJ Services, running weekly pub quiz nights
• 2008 – business went full-time