A TALENTED musician whose life changed dramatically when he was caught up in the Chernobyl disaster is now pursuing his dreams as a professional virtuoso violinist. 

Mischa Lindan, who comes from Mogilev in Belarus but grew up in Burtonwood, was given a second chance at life when he was relocated to Warrington as a young child. 

The 32-year-old first travelled to the town as part of the Chernobyl Children’s Lifeline at the age of 11.

The charity was set up to support children and their families from Belarus and Ukraine who were affected by the world’s worst nuclear disaster in April 1986.

When Mischa arrived in the UK for the first time he had a radiation reading of 35 becquerels – a reading of more than 10 becquerels was considered to be dangerous.

So the youngster returned to England a year later and he was offered a permanent home with Mike Hewitt and his family – who welcomed him with open arms.
Mike, 83, said: “At first we had 16 children from Belarus and Mischa was one of them.

“We decided to invite him back the year after.

“He was highly radiated so we decided for his health that he could stay here.

“Mischa is such an incredible person. He excels at everything.

“He is a genius at chess and he also helps to teach the under 18s team.”

Dad-of-one Mischa recently asked Mike to work as his manager as he works towards becoming a professional virtuoso violinist.

From an early age it was clear that Mischa had a natural talent for music.

He won a scholarship to attend Chetham’s School of Music in Manchester where he became a boarder. 

He was helped by a generous gift of £10,000 from Beatles' legend Sir Paul McCartney as part of a bursary programme.

Mischa then moved to the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester for two years and before relocating to northern Spain and San Sebastian University School of Music in 2006. 

Mischa has since earned a degree in music, a master degree in tourism business from Manchester Metropolitan University, and he is in his last year as a part-time student for an MBA at Manchester University.

He is now hoping to showcase his musical abilities by performing at social gatherings, schools and clubs.

For more information visit mischalindan.org.uk.