Matthew was born on 14th April at an early 27 weeks. The worry from his parents, Kathryn and Mike along with Matthew's big sister Kaci-Leigh (by 8 months) was always reassured by the staff at Treliske NeoNatal. They worked tirelessly in Matthew's care and always reassuring with procedures being followed. Matthew only weighed 2lb 4oz but right away he was a strong fighter. Described as the best behaved, most contented and healthiest amongst the ward. On 9th May, Matthew showed signs that all was not well. Having various tests etc it was discovered Matthew had Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), A gastrointestinal disease that mostly affects premature infants, NEC involves infection and inflammation that causes destruction of the bowel (intestine) or part of the bowel. Thankfully Matthew was only poorly for a short time as the disease had hit him hard and fast. He passed away that evening as his parents reassured him that his pain was almost over. A poignent day that will never be forgotten.

Here we are two years on, we try to use our time wisely, we don't always get it right but on the build up to Matthew's second birthday, we just knew that we did. With a friend organising a spirit night in late january where we met her little boy, Gerome. Just by looking into his eyes, we were inspired that with Matthew, we could make a difference and with this, our charity had been chosen for Matthew's second birthday.

 We then went onto the organising stage. We decided that a fun party was needed this year... Afterall every kid deserves a party! We would then finish the weekend off with an auction to deal with the fundraising side of things.

The party turned out to be a great success with smiles all round as well as the occasional tear. This day was never about raising money, more about celebrating the birth of Matthew. The memory is still over ruled with sadness as we know how short 24 days were. But even so, we need to learn to celebrate for Matthew was here, is here! The turnout for the party was overwhelming with only one family not attending due to illness. Party bags were personalised beforehand and prepared for all kids attending... nobody went home empty handed. A disco had everyone entertained with a few stop to think songs played. A face painter making all the kids look like various cartoon characters. Then a surprise visit was to be made by the one and only, Peppa pig, which again, kept the kids entertained for half an hour! With a sweet barrer (Wheelbarrow?) newly decorated, for our boy in blue, which was full to the brim with sweet cones, sweet kebabs and chocolate spoons! For a small moment, every child must have thought that they had joined Matthew in heaven, it is amazing how much sugar you can get in a barrer! A fabulous invisible photographer covered the party snapping shots of every smile, every breath and every tear. At the end of the party, the routine balloon release came about. With fourteen ballons, then an extra for luck, as usual the Angel's vaccuum got these good and away they flew, high into the sky. 

Next came the auction. This was to be held on Matthew's actual birthday. Again... What a success! So many items had been given, from a simple picture to a hot tub party. We reached our auction target by double the day before the auction had even started. So Matthew's birthday passed in pretty much a blur with the family able to do personally what we needed to do for our Angel. I guess with the knowledge of how smoothly everything has run is confirmation that Matthew is now in a better place. A happy little two year old, always watching from a distance.

So the money raised from both events is making its way over to the Special Stars Foundation to which Gerome is a member. They endeavor to help children and the families of those affected with special needs or disabilities. This money raised can then help to give these kids a chance to do things that otherwise, they may not have been able to do, like day trips to theatres or just the routine fortnightly play days.

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