From Jen:

"November 2024 Matt became unwell with what initially appeared to be a sinus “man flu”. Over the following months, his condition worsened. Doctors investigated multiple possible causes, including infection, inflammatory disease, and cancer, but early biopsies were inconclusive, leaving Matt and our family in a long period of uncertainty.

As time went on, Matt developed severe facial swelling, pain, and neurological complications. He was admitted to a London hospital and later transferred to intensive care at Kings in March as his condition rapidly deteriorated. He underwent numerous surgeries, scans, biopsies, and treatments, as doctors worked urgently to identify and treat the underlying cause.

Matt developed serious complications, including meningitis, and suffered significant brain involvement. He spent extended time in ICU, in a coma and on life support.

After two months and more surgeries he woke up much to the surprise of everyone and from there made a slow and non linear recovery to the point where he was able to have conversations with people, move around a lot easier and start to make plans for he future.

Unfortunately despite a year of fluctuating periods of hope and small signs of progress, everything was undone almost overnight on Christmas Eve when an aggressive infection entered his brain and caused uncontrollable swelling irreversibly damaging his brainstem.

Matt fought incredibly hard throughout this entire journey. He surprised us all and defied the odds so many times this last year. Even though this didn’t end the way we wanted there was nothing more he could have done and nothing more family and friends could have done. Everyone gave it all they had. This journey will be part of our kids story, but so will the resilience, compassion, and strength to keep going under heartbreaking circumstances.

I continue to be so absolutely blown away by all the support everyone has given us it’s actually so unbelievable. Sorry if I haven’t messaged you yet it has literally been an outpouring. Thank you everyone ❤️"

Jan 1, 2026

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Hi there, my name is Cait and I am a childhood friend of Jen's from growing up in Saskatchewan.

Many people I know and work with are associated with Jen from sports growing up, or attending the same schools as her in Saskatoon. If you had the privilege of knowing Jen, you know that she is a funny, kind and hard-working person. She married her husband Matt in 2014, and has settled into living and teaching in the UK. She and Matt have two lovely girls, Avery (5) and Harper (2). Matt is a gentle, kind, and loving dad, husband, son and friend. Last summer, Matt and Jen moved to Horsham, UK, and purchased their first home. They started new jobs in a new community, and were excited for the future.

As many of you might be aware, Jen and Matt have been facing a serious and unexpected health crisis. Earlier this year, he became critically unwell and has since undergone a number of brain surgeries. His illness has been complex and very hard to diagnose, and continues to receive specialist care in hospital. While the family remains hopeful and encouraged by every small sign of progress, the journey ahead will be long and uncertain. Doctors struggled to diagnose the issue for almost 8 months, and in that time, Matt had many setbacks and surgeries.

This situation has place a huge strain on the family emotionally, physicall and financially. Between hospital visits (over two hours journey), trying to manage daily life, and keep things steady for their two young girls has taken an enormous toll on Jen. The likelihood of Matt resuming his teacher role and making a full recovery, while not impossible, is not a probable outcome at this time.

Jen and Matt are deeply grateful for your love, prayers and messages of support. For those who wish to contribute financially, this fundraiser will help cover:

-travel costs for hospital visits

-childcare and household support

-Lost income while focusing on family needs

-Any unexpected expenses that arise during Matt's care and recovery

If you know Jen or Matt, and would like to donate, please give what you can. Many of us that care about them may not be living close enough to support the family directly, but a donation could help them focus on what matters most: being present for Matt as he works his way through the challenges ahead. I have known Jen for most of my life, and she is not one to ask for help unless it is needed.