Dear friends,

Here are  some words I wrote recently. It's my story so far and why I'm fundraising through the Oktoberfest Southampton event I'm involved with which is taking part in Guildhall Square, Southampton from Friday 29th - Saturday 30th October 2021.

I wanted to send my absolute heartfelt thanks to you all. I've been totally overwhelmed by the huge amount of love that's come across from everyone. I'm humbled and so grateful to everyone.

In 2019 I had awake open brain surgery to remove a brain tumour the size of an avocado from my brain. The surgery went really well. 

I was then diagnosed with an aggressive grade 4 Glioblastoma Multiforme (GMB) - brain cancer. 

Since the diagnosis I have undergone both Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy.

While I was in hospital and during my treatment, each day I was treated and supported by an absolutely incredible team of consultants, fellows, surgeons, registrars, specialist nurses, nurses, radio therapists, occupational therapists, physios, so many others right through to all the incredible volunteers. There are so so many incredible people involved.

Each day I walked past the Children's Cancer Unit and saw so many incredible inspirational children going through so much. Keeping my emotions together was tough. Every time I saw them I thought, "anything could happen to be if it meant these kids didn't have to go through this treatment. Anything."

I noticed one thing. A simple smile, or silly face cheered them up. They walked on smiling. That's why we do Oktoberfest Southampton, for people to have a good time and smile and enjoy themselves.

That got me thinking. What can I do to help? I can smile, joke, make silly faces which will make a few seconds for them better, but what can I do to help?

So here we are, and this is what we are doing - raising money for Wessex Cancer Trust.

It’s with a very heavy heart and a huge amount of sadness that I write this latest update.

A few weeks ago I undertook an MRI scan on my brain, one of many I’ve had over the past 18 months. The results from my previous scan wasn’t so good but I kept positive and determined because I wholeheartedly believed and still do, that it was the right plan, and I maintained my faith in the treatment and continued my Chemotherapy.

I recently met with my amazing team from the NHS here in Southampton.

I’ve known for a while as my left hand side has been deteriorating that all wasn’t going to be right.

Sadly, my sixth sense was right. The brain tumour has grown and the mix of good cells and bad cells spreading is getting bigger. The Chemotherapy sadly hasn’t worked and as it stands, there’s no other viable treatment available.

I never do things by halves so having the most aggressive tumour I could possibly get was going to happen!!

The real sad news is that as much as they admit they get it wrong as working these things out is virtually impossible, they don’t think I’m going to see the year out at best and I’ll deteriorate further.
If anyone thinks that for one second that I’m going to give up, I’m not going to.

I’ve tried my absolute best with it all and will continue to stay determined and positive. There are advances in treatment happening all the time so you never know what may be around the corner.
I’ve still too much to do and fully intend to do it and as much as my body and brain are both going to try and stop me.

We all have our curve balls in life and we can all only play with the cards we are dealt with. It’s not been an easy time for anyone over the last year or so and I’m here if anyone needs any help or support.
Tomorrow is a new day 🙂 embrace it and stay safe.

YOU ARE ALL amazing. Thank you so much for everything - I truly mean it from the bottom of my heart.

Lots of love,

Matt xxxx