Matt and Heidi are two of those people who quietly give everything they have, to their work, their community, and to others. And never ask for much in return. Right now, though, they could really use a bit of help.

Recently, their lives were turned upside down when a fire at a neighbouring house caused serious damage to their home. While they are safe, almost everything inside was destroyed, including irreplaceable sentimental items that can never be replaced. Their house will need extensive repairs before they can return, and for now they’re living out of a local Holiday Inn. The incredible team there have gone above and beyond to make them feel at home, but the costs of temporary accommodation are adding up fast.

Matt who served in the 14 years and served during the Afghan War, ending with a medical discharge and then joining our NHS Ambulance service. He now lives with lifelong injuries as a result of his service. He’s currently facing the possibility of losing his leg, something no one should have to endure; especially after already giving so much. On top of this, the disruption has meant he currently doesn’t have a suitable place for his sons to stay, making visits shorter than they should be and threatening to break a routine that means the world to them both.

Heidi is no stranger to hardship either. She lives with brain tumours and is still fighting the battle today, she was also living in New York when 9/11 happened, she witnessed it all and the aftermath is an experience that shaped her deeply. She’s a beautician, hair dresser and makeup artist by trade, but the fire has impacted her business. To keep going, she’s had to reorganise and adjust to working out of a hotel. With limited space and a lot of meetings with insurers and dealing with her home. This has become increasingly difficult.

Despite everything, Matt and Heidi are still Matt and Heidi; kind, wholesome, and full of heart. They’re massive Star Wars and Harry Potter fans, always ready to talk lore or quote a line. Matt is a huge NFL fan, (The Jaguars being his chosen team). And together they’re the kind of people who find joy in the little things, even when life gets heavy.

This fundraiser isn’t just about recovery; it’s about helping them breathe. They had a Disney World holiday planned, given to them as a parting gift from Matt’s Mother before he passed away. Cancelling the trip isn’t an option, but the unexpected costs from the fire mean their savings are disappearing fast, and spending money is starting to look bleak. Insurance will help eventually, but anyone who’s dealt with it knows how slow that process can be.

The goal is to create a small fund to help them cover living expenses, replace essential items, support Heidi’s business recovery, and allow them to take that Disney trip without added financial stress; a chance to pause, heal, and hold onto a bit of magic after an incredibly hard chapter.

Any donation, no matter the size, helps. And if you can’t donate, sharing this page means just as much. Let’s remind Matt and Heidi that they don’t have to face this alone — and that even after fire and loss, there’s still light, community, and hope.

Thank you for reading, caring, and being part of their story. ✨