Matt was a truly remarkable and special soul. He had many things that he was passionate about: he loved science fiction and was an avid Star Wars fan; he cared about animals and most of my photos of him include a cat, dog or other creature; he was a dedicated Leicester City supporter, and he followed the exploits of Tesla and Space X avidly, hoping to one day go into space himself. He also adored music, especially bands like the Fields of the Nephilim, Bauhaus and Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds. He worked as a development chemist and had made many friends throughout his career.
The photograph I have posted is from when we visited Kennedy in 2018. He was so excited to be there, to finally see the artefacts from the space missions he had followed for all of his life. Note his Boba Fett hat too!
Matt has left a legacy. We built a lovely family and raised two kind, considerate children who both have hopes and dreams encouraged by the father that they had. As for me, I can hear his voice reminding me to be kind to myself, to take it a day at a time and that I should have faith in myself and what I can do. He gave me that confidence and I have grown into who I am today because of him.
Matt was cruelly taken from us shortly after his 47th birthday by a brain tumour. I am delighted that I am able to help him realise his dream to go into space through participation in the Tranquility Flight. We will be able to look at the moon and know he is always with us.
When we got married, my daughter read the words from Debi Gliori’s book, ‘No Matter What’, which is about how we love those who are important to us, in spite of any faults they might think they have. This from the end of the book:
“Small said, "But what about when we are dead and gone, will you love me then, does love go on?”
Large replied, "Look at the stars, how they shine and glow, some of the stars died a long time ago. Still they shine in the evening skies, for you see…love like starlight never dies…”
