Support the Reynolds family at their time of need

This is the kind of page you don’t want to imagine yourself writing.

In December last year my dear brother in law, Matt, had a freak surfing accident and broke his neck, leaving him immediately paralysed from the shoulders down. After being saved from near drowning, he was airlifted to hospital where he spent 8 weeks having various operations aimed at giving him the best chance of survival and hope of future rehabilitation. He remains largely in this condition today, over two months later.

It’s impossible to overstate the impact of this kind of accident. Not only for Matt but also for his wife Alex (one of the best people you will ever meet) and their wonderful children Nell and Joe, all of whom have shown incredible bravery and strength in their support of their husband and father.

Matt is now resident in the Sao Bras rehabilitation centre where he undergoes intensive therapy on a daily basis, in the hope of seeing some improvement in his condition. The mental strength needed just to stay positive day after day is beyond anything most of us will experience.

Spinal injuries are fraught with complications and the full prognosis will not be known for at least 6 months because of the severity of the localised injury. This uncertainty brings additional complications when it comes to future and financial planning. But he and they won’t do this alone. They have both been loyal and dependable friends, always there at a moment's notice to anyone who needs them.

Now is the time to repay that kindness.

The life they have built for themselves in Portugal has been dashed on the rocks of misfortune and despite their very best efforts, the upshot is that Matt and Alex need our help.

They won’t ask for it which is why broadcasting this page is all the more important. Looking down the barrel of a complicated, challenge-laden future, the giving of time and emotional support to our good friends goes without saying but financial support is what will really make a difference to them today and help to ease their trial in a very real way.

Whilst we remain positive, a practical outlook is also essential. The costs the family face today, tomorrow, next month, next year and beyond are too numerous to mention but when compounded by Matt’s inability to work, it’s truly a scary time. We can’t cure his condition but we CAN ease the pressure of the basic costs - rent, food, fuel, medical and school supplies. This will allow them the breathing space to focus on how to build their new life, whatever that may look like.

I send this in the hope that we can create a comfort blanket to show these wonderful people how much they are loved. We are planning for the worst but, like you all, hoping for the best.

Thank you so much.