Matt suffered a serious spinal injury as a seventeen-year-old whilst playing for the London Broncos Academy in 2004, his first steps towards a professional rugby career. The accident left him paralysed from the neck down and unable to breathe independently.

After nine months in hospital, Matt was discharged with only a basic manual wheelchair, which meant he had to rely on others to push him around. Variety was able to step in and fund a customised, mouth-controlled powered wheelchair for him, with elevating sit-to-standing functionality. This allowed him to regain a considerable degree of independence, and he was able to return to school and complete his A-levels.

Matt always credited Varietys contribution with helping him to overcome his adversity, imagine a future again, and build a worthwhile life for himself.

In 2009, Variety was again able to fund a second, front-wheel-drive-powered wheelchair for him. With its more flexible, ergonomic range of positioning, and its smoother, near-silent movement across a variety of surfaces, this new wheelchair was ideal for both educational and work settings.

He went on to obtain a first-class honours law degree, qualifying as a lawyer in 2016. He then established himself as a personal injury trainee solicitor at a well-regarded London law firm, before joining the in-house legal counsel team at the Williams Group, where he advised on legal matters regarding Formula One racing and advanced engineering businesses.

Having smashed all expectations around his own disability, Matt was delighted to accept the role of Wheelchair Ambassador for Variety in 2006. In this capacity, he was the keynote speaker at many major Variety fundraising events, including the Duke of Edinburghs 85th birthday, Rugby Legends dinner at the Savoy in 2006, Varietys 70th anniversary celebrations at Buckingham Palace in 2019, and the Variety Property Awards, the PROPS, for several years running. He also made many wheelchair presentations on behalf of Variety.

Having experienced for himself the far-reaching difference that the right wheelchair can make to a young persons life, Matt never tired of championing Variety's work with disabled and disadvantaged children and young people, drawing scores of new supporters to the cause.

As a pioneer who refused to accept the limitations of his condition, he also became an inspirational speaker with businesses, education and sports teams across the UK. With his brand of infectious enthusiasm, and his conviction that it's possible to create a good life in the face of serious adversity, he was able to help others overcome their obstacles. A high point in his speaking career was a TED talk he was asked to give in 2019.

Outside of work, Matt was an accomplished mouth artist, and he became the first paralysed athlete on a ventilator to ski, as well as the first to finish a marathon, steering his motorised wheelchair through New York's city streets with his chin as he took part in the New York Marathon in 2007. Variety was particularly proud to have secured sponsorship for him so that he could take part. He also participated in the Great Northern Run on two occasions.

In recognition of his community engagement, Matt was invited to be an Olympic Torchbearer in 2012. He was also awarded an OBE in 2013 for outstanding services to charity, having raised tens of thousands of pounds for a number of organisations through a series of events and activities.

Matt was determined to live a full personal life too. In 2016, he married the woman of his dreams, Ilona, and went on to have two lovely daughters.

Matt will be deeply missed by all, and his remarkable life will continue to be an inspiration to children and young people with disabilities everywhere.