Matt has asked us to thank everyone who have sent cards and messages of support for his 18th birthday on Sunday. Our home was filled on sunday as loads of friends called over. Late in the afternoon the surpize trip to pizza hut went ahead, a gang of matts school mates took over the local restaurant. Special thanks to Tracey & Martin, for their hard work getting it sorted, and to LESLEY & Chris for making the long trip south from Manchester.

Unfortunately Nuggett has been knocked over by a car and died. We are all devastated, but just cling on to the fact she was a very much loved and happy puppy who had a short but happy life.

ok, for the young & not so young, but very trendy, the ultimate statement in quality...... the GFI wrist bands are in stock. As Sarah says they are selling like hotcakes.
We would like to get one onto the wrist of a few famous people. Can you help ???
Contact Sarah & she will post them out to you.

On Thursday night, Matt interviewed Matt Volland (Bedford blues club captain) on behalf of BBC Look East to establish the mood of the team prior to the Powergen semi final against Pertemp Bees on the Saturday. The piece was shown during the friday night sports coverage and came across very well.
For those with keen eyesight, the scratch on Matts nose was caused by Nugget licking his face, she caught a sharp tooth on his nose.
On Saturday we travelled to watch the match in Birmingham, the blues had a fantastic band of travelling supporters who drowned out the small home crowd. Bedford played the wet & windy conditions much better, controlled the game & took the points on offer. They achieved a victory which takes them back to Twickenham after a thirty year wait .
Entries on a post card to guess where Matt will be on the 16th April 2005.

A massive thanks must go to my Uncle, Chris Kay, for the update and renovation of the website.
Without the hours of hard work he has put in on the website, it would still be down, so I just wanted to show my appreciation to him.

Thank You Chris!

On a different note, all has gone well since I returned home and that is largely due to the overwhelming support I have received from everybody - Family, Friends, School and so many others including all the visitors to the site.

I cannot express how greatful I am ...
Thank you, Matt

Now Matt & his care team have access to independent transport they have been shopping and also travelled to watch the Carnegie World Club Championship match in Leeds. (See Photos section) This trip was the furthest away from home he has travelled since his homecoming. We all enjoyed the experience, he more so as he was able to visit the Rhino's changing room after the match and 'aquire' Danny Maquires match shirt! He has also watched England play France at Twickenham , combined with 4 trips to watch the Bedford blues. Matt attends Stratton school, two afternoons a week, has painting lessons and is able to paint landscapes to a very impressive standard.

The G.F.I team have recently completed their most ambitious challenge to date. A letter has been drafted, printed, folded, inserted, written and posted to every Rugby Union club in England.

The aim of the letter is to raise Matt?s profile and awareness of his injury within Rugby Union clubs to a similar level of our Rugby League friends. Combined with a request to undertake a fund raising event that will benefit Matt & the rugby club at the same time.

I would also like this opportunity to thank the G.F.I team for their effort on Wednesday night at Biggleswade Rugby Club.

One on Matt?s aims when he was in hospital, was to own a dog. Following long family debates it was decided that a golden Labrador bitch puppy would fit the bill. Ivan Couchman & his family were entrusted with this important task and, during the next few weeks, located a breeder with an impeccable pedigree history, arranged repeated viewings and helped when we went to collect her.
Nugget has a second family, so much so, after every visit we need to check Ivan?s coat to make sure he leaves empty handed. She is a bundle of fun, just like the Andrex puppy in the TV advert; one minute bouncing around like an idiot, next sitting on Matt's chest licking his face, then sleeping.
Barry & Lynda are arranging heavy duty dog training lessons, just to remind us and Nugget who is the boss.
Visitors, please ensure you wear chewable shoes, she likes Nike air trainers and leather soled shoes.

Hi.

On behalf of Matt, his family,& the fund raising team.

Best wishes, a Merry Christmas and happy new year.

thank you.

Hi. A quick update on Matt's homecoming on Friday 17th december.

Following Matt's stay the previous weekend, we carried out a few modifications to our house, we installed some new furniture and found a place for the hi-fi and tv. Glenda Michael & I travelled to Aylesbury for the last time for a few weeks and collected the hospital minibus for the return trip, both vehicles fully loaded with Matts stuff he collected over the last few months.

Matt was met at home by a gang of his mates from school who quickly settled down for a long chat, bringing him upto date with the latest gossip. We had a very quiet sat,visiting the grandparents. Sunday morning, Matt watched Michael play football over the park, and spent the afternoon in front of the box.

We are looking forward to christmas, seeing as many people as possibe.In the new year Matt will start the working toward's his return to school.

Hi pop pickers. I have stock of the 'Angel' cd which has been produced to benefit Matts fund. A great stocking filler priced very reasonably @ ?10. Call chris on 07715052616 or speak to sarah @ stratton school.Limited stock so don't leave it late

Hi. sorry about the lack on news about Matt. we have been very busy getting things ready for matts weekend stay. Matt came home on friday afternoon for the first time since the accident, his care team are very good and we all settled in quickly. We all went to see Bedford blues beat Coventry on Sat.Sunday morning we all watched Micheal's football team, along with at least 6 hours of sky tv, flicking between the footie & the other sunday rugby. Matt will be going back to hospital monday afternoon for a few more days, which gives us the chance to do a few changes, then on thursday or friday he comes home for good

hi.

The 'Angel songs from the heart ' cd, launched with proceeds going to Matt's fund is now available.Ian Stewart tel 01924 254435, or his publisist Angela 01924 464942 have the discs available @ ?10 + p+p. Ian is well known on the northen club scene and hopes this cd will generate a tidy sum for Matt's fund. If you want a copy, phone Ian.

Hi

Old Albanians Rugby club hosted the London Irish v Saracens match on Monday 15th November 2004. The event was organised by Paul Raitt and members from the OA's club who met Matt last season after an England match at twickenham and wanted to support him. The entire evening was a complete success, with the 'freemacguinness' irish band providing the after match entertainment. ?6000 was raised for Matt's fund, with invitations to dinners next year at Oa's & London Irish.

The prize raffle was drawn on saturday 13th November 2004 at Biggleswade Rugby club, prize winners have been contacted, and a full prize list will be entered onto the web site. The first prize was won by a family in Weston Super Mare, with prizes being won around the country. Special thanks to Chris Ellwood, Paula Sarno, Ken Downie and everyone who helped on the night, and a debt of gratitude to all the prize donators.

hi.

A big thank you to 'The Rose' public house in biggleswade, who raised ?250 following a recent race night organised by landlords Eamon & Sara, which was very well supported by the regulars. Ken Downie represented GFI team.

Thank you.