Matthew began complaining about his ears at the age of five so was examined by his local GP on three occasions. The diagnosis was the same each time - A simple ear infection with a prescription antibiotics.

Matthew’s symptoms worsened rapidly after the third misdiagnosis, so much so that he required a police escort to Yorkhill Hospital where he was diagnosed with Meningitis and remained admitted for four months.

Matthew’s treatment at this time included a shunt in his head, which despite saving his life, also meant that he would have to learn how to eat and walk again.

Matthew was determined to make a life for himself. His fighting spirit meant that he kept fighting until was able to go back to nursery, meet and play with friends, and, in 2001, although still unable to talk or walk unassisted, embrace his first day at school at Richmond Park for kids with special needs.

Matthew then went on to attend Kersland School, where he helped raise money for good causes through trips, fancy dress, charity sports events, paintballing, and swimming. He has also used his own experiences to help university students with their thesis projects and even participated in assessments by student health professionals in order to help them in their studies.

Over the years Matthew’s complex health needs has meant that he has required many additional treatments and operations. He has had his hip and feet surgically fractured and re-set with rods and plates. This has meant that as an adult Matthew will now be restricted to a wheelchair.

At the age of 18, Matthew was diagnosed with dystonia (turning of the head). He had deep brain stimulation operation (8 electrodes in the brain and a power pack in his chest). Due to his now severely restricted mobility Matthew requires a wet room and a lift installed to allow him to be able to stay at home. Without these essential adaptations the local council have advised that Matthew and his parents will need to sell his family home where he grew up.

Matthew is currently attending the Fitzgerald Centre for his hygiene needs and has to use a commode, being unable to make it upstairs to the bathroom at home.

Matthew just wants to try live as normal life with dignity and spend as much time as possible with his parents. He can only do this with your help.