Although a serious skiing accident put an end to Matt’s career in the RAF, he was forging a new path for himself working as a contractor for various organisations, including the MOD. He was also in the process of renovating his house, which he shares with wife Sarah and their two daughters.

A few weeks before Christmas 2021, Matt was six weeks into a new job when he felt quite unwell. Assuming it was flu, he didn’t give it much more thought. However, the next day, Matt found he was gradually becoming more unsteady on his feet. It was when he couldn’t raise his arms above his head, that Sarah suggested they call 111. They were advised to go the hospital immediately.

After a long wait in A&E, it was discovered that Matt had suffered a stroke. He found himself on a ward, where the damage caused by his stroke began to take hold. He lost the use of his left arm and leg, and his face began to droop on his left side.

Because the damage had already been done, there was little hospital staff could do. To make matters worse, the lockdown meant Matt couldn’t have visitors, so he was alone.

“It was a bit of a roller coaster – I was really upset and my emotions were going mad. I couldn’t look at a picture of my kids without ending up in floods of tears. I actually did my last will and testament on my phone because I didn’t think I would be able to write it. And I did a video to my kids to say goodbye. I really thought I was going to die.” 

Thankfully Matt regained the use of his leg, and although he had lost the use of his left arm, he was well enough to go home and spend Christmas with his family.

Matt’s worries turned to the family home, which he was in the middle of renovating. With the main bathroom being upstairs, Matt struggled to access it following his stroke. He was also adamant that he wanted to be as independent as possible.

“The downstairs bathroom was just a big hole in the corner of the house. Having to go upstairs to use the loo wasn’t ideal. I’m also stubborn, fierce and proud about that stuff. I didn’t want to be helped getting to the bathroom or anything like that.“ 

After struggling to find appropriate support, one of Matt’s friends suggested the RAF Association might be able to help him makes things better at home. The Association was able to secure funding through the RAF Benevolent Fund for Matt to finish the downstairs bathroom, making everyday activities much easier for him.

“Now I’ve got my own bathroom space. It’s been modified to be practical for me to use without help. It’s set up for me, so it’s great. I’m going to get my RAF memorabilia on the wall once I get it framed – Sarah won’t let me have a golden toilet seat though!” 

Matt was also able to secure further funding to adapt his car so he could drive it using just his right arm. This has allowed him to gradually return to work and get his life back on track.

“When something like this happens, you need a lifeline. And that’s where the Association came in and helped me. The progress I’ve made so far wouldn’t have happened if I hadn’t been able to get my car adapted or to get the bathroom sorted. I wouldn’t be back at work in the way I am now. I wouldn’t be in such a good place – I would still be struggling. 

“I’m just massively grateful across the board to everybody at the Association who helped me. They were really attentive, they listened to what I was saying, and we were able to work together to achieve a fantastic outcome.”