Matthew Geach

“Matthew Geach came into our lives for just a short while and left memories that will last forever.

Matthew suffered with Friedrich’s Ataxia (Muscle Wasting) and had attended Little Bridge House (Children’s Hospice South West) for some years. During his time there he was nursed at times by our daughter Paula .

One day in January 2006, Paula called me to ask for help, as Matthew was getting weaker and that in his more mobile days said that he’d always wanted to fly in a helicopter, by this time he was unable to speak and was rapidly succumbing to his illness so time was of the essence!

Other avenues to fulfil Matthew’s dream proved fruitless so I approached a good friend Gary, a long time customer and Royal Marine who moved quickly to put the situation to his senior officers at C.H.F 848 NAS Squadron Yeovilton . In true Royal Marine fashion (no problems – just solutions) Matthew’s dream became a reality within 48 hours.

Matthew was brought up from Helston, Cornwall on the Wednesday so as to be fresh for his surprise on the Thursday morning, which was his 15th birthday. Until he arrived at the Main Gate, Matthew had no idea of what was to unfold, he arrived in his specially adapted vehicle, as his condition meant that he was mostly confined to his bed shown in the photo’s.

Matthew and his mother, were met by Gary, Paula and myself, from then on squadron staff took over with incredible compassion and professionalism.

Matthew was taken into the 848 Briefing Room where Lt Steve Brown RN introduced himself and the rest of the crew, putting Matthew and his mother very much at ease.  Gary then presented Matthew with his flying kit, which was a complete surprise and raised a huge smile, then after a video and safety briefing, Matthew along with his family and friends were taken out to the helicopter.

Matthew was gently put aboard the helicopter and when the door was shut he was manoeuvred near to the door so that he could see out of the window – his face was a picture as we flew over the Somerset Levels and past Glastonbury Tor.  The pilot’s flying skills were amazing, I have never experienced such a smooth take off and landing in a helicopter, down to I am sure, his concern for Matthew’s comfort.

After the flight we all went back into the Briefing Room where Matthew was presented with a birthday cake complete with lit candles and then many momento’s including two squadron plaques and signed photographs.

To arrange the event at such short notice and on Matthew’s birthday was exceptionally thoughtful by the then Lt Col J A McCardle RM Commanding Officer C.H.F for allowing the flight to be taken and our heartfelt thanks for allowing us to fly in one of his aircraft.  Gary Kingston and Rob Stephens are also to be congratulated in motivating the whole exercise initially.

The crew on the day Lt Steve Brown RN, Lt Cdr Martin Hanrahan RNR, Sgt ” Ginge Green ” RM and S/Lt Alex Pollitt RN are all to be congratulated in the way that Matthew was greeted and briefed by Steve in such a professional and relaxed way, which could not have been easy as Matthew shows little facial emotion but Steve calmly briefed the whole event with patience and good humour.

Others to be mentioned are Chief Air crewman “Paddy Green” and LPHOT Barrow, the ground crew on hand to make sure that there were no problems for getting Matthew in and out of the helicopter and the catering personnel that made such a delightful cake, it did not last long believe me! again all so professional and very much part of the ingredients that made the day.

I really wish that you could have seen the day unfold as I did, to put the flight on would have been enough but the thought behind the gifts and cake will never be forgotten.  We all knew that Matthew and especially his mother would have some tough times ahead but the flight and kindness of everyone involved will no doubt remain with her forever.

I felt so proud that we have people who could do this for a young man they have never met but who had a smile that you would crawl over broken glass for. Everyone involved is a credit to their uniform and the Service they represent, once again, it has been a privilege to be involved with them.

As I said in previous paragraphs, the effort put in on the day was truly remarkable and compassionate, there is so much more that I could tell you, timing was everything as we all later realised, for Matthew sadly died two weeks later.

The only time that his mum could get his flying overalls off of him to wash them, was when he had a bath.  The black and white photo that you can see followed Matthew’s coffin into the Chapel and was placed on top and remained there throughout the service…. Matthew was cremated wearing his overalls.

Alan Rowe, MBE

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