Matt started working in ALSPAC in 2016, initially in the administration team and then later also in the clinic team supporting the G2 study. He was an integral part of the ALSPAC team, and on top of his various job roles he also created some beautiful artwork for participant birthday cards. Matt was such a welcoming person who had time for everyone (and was always up for sharing his supply of sweets).
Outside of work, Matt was a talented artist and made beautiful lino prints. He had various creative outlets, including taking a ceramics course and using his woodworking skills to build his own kitchen. He was someone who knew how much fun there was to be had in life, whether that was going to festivals (Shambala was a favourite, and even his wedding was festival-themed) or choosing from an incredibly well-stocked boardgame cupboard. He shared a house in Easton with his wife Maria, and their collection of house plants is seriously impressive – the front room is about 90 percent jungle.
The last few years were difficult health-wise for Matt, but regardless of how challenging this was, he still had the ability to make his team laugh when he was well enough for visits. He connected with so many people throughout the whole of ALSPAC as well as others working at the University. As news of his declining health spread, a colleague noted that they were amazed by how many people were affected by this news, showing how much respect and love people had for him.
Matt was so loved by so many, including his wife, family, and many close friends who our thoughts are with at this time. Although words are never enough, hopefully this gives an insight into the wonderful person Matt was. It is impossible to overstate how much he means to us. He was a kind, generous person, a genuinely lovely individual, and a good friend. He will be so missed by so many.