On May 23rd 2019 Matt Jeffery was hit to the floor in an unprovoked attack whilst in Zante, Greece. Matt was put into an induced coma and flown to Athens where he spent five days in intensive care. Tragically Matt’s injuries left him brain dead and heartbreakingly, as a family, we had to make the devastating decision to turn off his life support machine. Matt died May 28th 2019.

Matt was a true gentleman. A much loved husband, father, son, brother, uncle and friend. He had a heart of gold, adored his family and would help anyone who needed it. [Matt’s commitment to organ donation means that even after his death, his courage and generosity lives on in others. He ultimately helped to save the lives of five transplant patients, two of which had been waiting 13 years for a match.]

The court case against his two attackers, which had been postponed due to the coronavirus took place in March 2023. Both men were found guilty , although one was approved an appeal.

A new trial for the appeal is due to take place on 13th November 2024. Myself, Matt’s brothers and friends have been summoned to court again and plan to fly to Greece on 12th November.

Murder trials in Greece are very different to the UK and the victim’s family are required to appoint their own local lawyer to represent them in court.

The cost of the first court case exceeded £20,000 and we are possibly looking at having to pay this amount again. This doesn’t include the cost of the flights and accommodation for myself, Matt’s brothers and friends while we are away.

Not only is it a huge financial cost for us as a family, but also Matt’s friends who are legally required to attend.

It has been nearly five and a half years since Matt died and it’s so heartbreaking that we are still having to fight for justice and unable to move forward until justice has been done. 

Charlotte Jeffery