I told him not to worry, “hey, we had plenty of time for meals together and
could rearrange it for another evening that week when he felt better.” I
wasn’t worried about his illness - it sounded just like any other stomach
bug. Plus the fact his father was a trained nurse and he would be in
excellent hands and well pampered.
I
had an update later that evening via his dad to say he was sleeping and had
been sick a couple of times. Being a nurse he had looked for the obvious
signs Meningitis, appendix etc. It just appeared to be Viral. He did have a
temperature.
I woke the following morning at 7am and telephoned the house to see if he
was any better and if he needed me to ring college for him. (There was no
reply) I rang again at 7.30am - still no reply. I started to think this was
unusual as his dad would normally have answered by now.
At the dreaded 8am or thereabouts I received a phone call - it was Matt’s
dad. I remember his words so clearly. He said, “It’s Matt - he’s being taken
to the Accident and Emergency Dept.... get here now before it’s too late..."
(What did he mean before it’s too late?). Then he dropped the bombshell,
“He’s not going to make it”…..he said. The phone went dead…
I collapsed in a heap on the floor in sheer panic and despair screaming and
wailing. My new partner was oblivious as to why I had suddenly collapsed in
a heap.
When I could finally speak, he threw a coat and shoes on me and bundled me
into the car. We arrived at the hospital and were rushed through the doors
into a side room where Matt lay still and peaceful. I was too late.
I kissed him and stoked his hair - oh that lovely hair, his pride and joy…
how he’d coloured it, groomed it, gelled it, smoothed it - it always had to
be just right. Even then I remember thinking I’d better not mess it up
too much.
I needed answers that were not forthcoming. No-one knew the reason for his
untimely passing. All we could do was wait for the results of the autopsy.
Rumours abounded.
I heard from several people - they all had their opinions, “It must have
been drug related!!!!"; "It was an infection from a recent piercing!!!!!”.
No, the truth was he had died from Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, which
apparently is hereditary. He had never presented with any signs at all. He
was full of life and energy. He used to skateboard, ride his bike, he could
run really fast. I still find it hard to believe that this had gone
undetected.
I found this small piece of text (right) among Matt's things. It
seemed very relevant at the time. So I thought I’d share it.
I think all schools should be made aware of this condition, not to frighten
their students but to make them aware.
To save “One Son or Daughter” in any school is worth all the funding and
campaigning. Set this against a lifetime of heartache - I know which one I’d
choose.
Lynn Bradley
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