Matty’s Story
Meet 15-year-old Matthew (who likes to be known as Matty)!
In December 2016 Matty was diagnosed with medulloblastoma which is a malignant, embryonal brain tumour. Around 55 children are diagnosed with medulloblastoma each year in the UK. He underwent treatment which involved tumour removal, radiotherapy and 12 months of chemotherapy. Unfortunately, he relapsed in November 2018 and endured more chemotherapy. Very sadly, last month it was found that Matty had relapsed again.
Matty was first nominated to attend a Box4Kids event in 2017 when his CLIC Sargent social worker, Adama, put him forward to attend one of our events at Leicester City, knowing what a huge fan he is. We were delighted to be able to invite Matty to watch his favourite football team in VIP style! Since then Matty has had the opportunity to attend a number of Box4Kids events at the King Power Stadium.
At the Trust we understand the children have battles to face everyday of their lives with their diagnosis, so are highly deserving of more than one Box4Kids experience. It has been great to support Matty with these special days out throughout his treatment.
Matty’s VIP Experience
On the occasions Matty has attended a Box4Kids event at Leicester City FC he has been treated like a true VIP from start to finish. Not only have he and his dad enjoyed the comfort and luxury of the executive box with delicious food and refreshments, Matty has also been treated to a goodie bag and visits from Filbert Fox!
‘I loved watching my favourite football club in a relaxing and special environment’, Matty said. ‘I felt like a celebrity! I enjoyed meeting Filbert Fox and the other children. The food was pretty awesome too!’
Our founder and funder Barrie hosted a Box4Kids events at Leicester City where he met Matty and his dad Steve. He commented on what a ‘lovely and special young man’ Matty is.
We have been very grateful, as a Trust, for the kind box donations from Les Ambassadeurs who generously donated their box for many many games at the King Power Stadium for a number of seasons. The support of the club has also been fantastic, ensuring Filbert Fox always made a trip to visit out guests, as well as providing goodie bags at every match we attended.
Matty’s mum commented, ‘as a family it has helped us to have family time and make special memories. We cannot thank the Barrie Wells Trust enough for allowing us the privilege of enjoying these experiences. They are very special and create smiles through very difficult times.’
It is thanks to box donators like Les Ambassadeurs and supportive clubs like Leicester City that we are able to help create such special and important memories for deserving children like Matty. If you would like to come onboard with Box4Kids and donate your executive box, please get in touch.
