Going in to bat for Mat.

On the 30 July, Mat felt unwell. His live in nurse/wife tended to his every need but he didn't let on exactly how bad he was feeling, he had the flu. Eventually, he gave into the constant nagging about going to the doctor but insisted he drive himself to the hospital! The next day he was put on an ECMO (lung bypass) machine and flown from Whakatane Hospital to Auckland Hospital in critical condition. Tessa drove to Auckland and has remained by his side ensuring that Mat has the best possible care and that the boys are well looked after. Mat has gone through countless procedures and been given a lot of antibiotics but his infection is matching his stubbornness.

It has been 3 weeks since he got sick with the flu and although we do not know what the future holds yet, what we do know is that the recovery time is going to be long and strenuous. Months in hospital and years till he is up on his feet again complaining about All Black selections.

This page has been set up for those wanting to support Mat, Tessa and the boys but are struggling to work out how. The money raised will be used to relieve the pressure from Mats family so both healing and recovery can be done without financial stress. It will be used to help with expenses the family are incurring while living away from home, transport costs so that the boys can visit their dad anytime and also any rehabilitation costs once Mat is able to come home. As you know, Mat and Tessa are not ones to ask for help but have acknowledged that this might be one of those times where they need to let their community help them for a change. Tessa would like me to point out that any money not needed will be donated to charity. (This charity has not been decided as yet).