Support for The Holdsworth's - Mat, Vic & their 3 Girls

Hi, we are Gab (Vic's sister) and Steph (Mat's sister), and Aunties to their 3 beautiful girls, Harper, Aria and Billie.

We are putting this fundraiser together to support two of the kindest, strongest people we know, as they try and navigate the physical, mental and financial impact during this serious, tough chapter in their lives.

Just over a month ago, Mat was doing what he does best- running the family business, Holdsworth Plumbing, with Vic, juggling tools and girl Dad chaos, and being the solid, hardworking man and mate, we all know and love. Life was full and busy but in the blink of an eye that all changed.

After two long weeks battling Pneumonia and Influenza, Mat woke up on July 24th unable to speak, walk and his motor skills were significantly weakened. He was rushed to hospital, scans revealed a large 10mm MCA Brain Aneurysm with a high risk of rupture. Finding it in time was incredibly lucky- but doctors believed it didn't explain the sudden onset of his symptoms.

On July 25th, Mat underwent an Angiogram in the hope of coiling the Aneurysm, but during the procedure doctors discovered it wasn't the safest option. The only path forwards was a Craniotomy- open skull surgery.

In the days after, Mat faced a four-hour operation, during which surgeons placed three clips to seal off the Aneurysm and closed his skull with 25 stitches. We're deeply grateful the Aneurysm was successfully treated-but devastatingly, it still wasn't the cause of his loss of speech and movement. After surgery and further tests, Mat was diagnosed with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), a brain-based condition where the brain struggles to send and recieve signals.

For Mat, it means working through the challenge of regaining his ability to speak and move as he once could. While recovery can be unpredictable, there is real hope, and Mat is a fighter.

Unfortunately, Mat was discharged without a rehabilitation plan or support services in place, so we’re now actively advocating for the psychological, occupational, and speech therapy he needs. Our families are working together to navigate this process, while Mat stays focused on rebuilding his strength and making progress each day.

Vic has stepped fully into the role of Mat's carer managing his day-to-day needs, arranging his treatments and appointments whilst caring for their three girls leaving her unable to run the business.

Due to these circumstances, they have had to close their family business, Holdsworth Plumbing, which has been another devastating blow. As their business was the families sole source of income, it's loss adds serious financial strain to an already stressful situation.

This GoFund Me has been created to help ease that burden and support the family as they adjust to this new reality.

Contributions will go towards Mat's ongoing rehabilitation, therapy, and medical care. It will also give Vic the space to be fully present for Mat's recovery and their daughters without the daily stress of making end meets.

No matter the size, every donation makes a difference. And if you're unable to give right now, simply sharing this page will make a genuine difference.

From the bottom of their hearts - Mat, Vic and the girls thank you for the kindness, support and love shown to them.