This is the first instalment in a three-part story.
Matt is a peer supporter at the Spinal Unit in Ōtara, where he meets with newly injured patients to share his experience of living with a spinal cord injury. His journey began in 2013, when a devastating motorbike accident left him a high tetraplegic and unable to work.
In 2023, Spinal Support NZ offered Matt a contractor role. He quickly excelled in his community work, and in early 2024 he was offered part‑time employment supporting in‑patients at the Spinal Unit - an opportunity that has brought new purpose and pride to his life.
Matt’s story with Kerryn began much earlier. They met in high school in 1998, welcomed their first daughter, Jade in 2001, and their second daughter, Jamiee in 2008. The family moved to Australia in 2009, and after 12 years together, Matt proposed to Kerryn in 2010. Their wedding was set for 29 December 2013.
But everything changed on 27 May 2013 when Matt’s accident left him fully reliant on others. Living in Australia meant limited support, and in 2015 the family returned to New Zealand in search of better care and stability.
During this challenging period, Kerryn became Matt’s primary caregiver. She often had to remove her engagement ring while helping him transfer from bed to chair to avoid injuring his skin. Amid the chaos of the move, the ring was lost - though at the time, with wedding plans on hold, it felt like a small detail compared to everything else they were facing.
Since returning home, Matt has not been eligible for government financial support, making his new role with Spinal Support NZ especially meaningful. It allows him to contribute to his family and rediscover a sense of independence, identity, and purpose beyond being a loving partner and father.
Through it all, one hope has remained with Matt: the desire to propose to Kerryn again - this time as the man he is today, honouring everything they have overcome together.
Part two coming (enter date)
