MATT’S LUNG AND WINDING RIDE... (From Bournemouth Echo)

MATT’S LUNG AND WINDING RIDE...

10:13am Friday 29th June 2007

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MATTHEW Stein has given his parents a sight they never thought they would see

The brave 15-year-old is back on his bike less than a year after being given weeks to live - and three months after a double lung transplant.

Matthew, a pupil of Canford School, became critically ill and was tested for legionnaire's disease following the discovery of the legionnella bacterium at the exclusive school in Canford Magna in March last year.

Just 14 years old at the time, his health deteriorated rapidly until he became critically ill, with just four per cent lung function.

His worried mum, Sue, was told in September it was unlikely her only son would live until Christmas without a transplant.

But doctors didn't bank on Matthew's fighting spirit.

And sheer determination and a will to live kept the sports-mad youngster going until a donor finally came up in March this year.

A gruelling five-hour operation at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) saved Matthew's life and yesterday he showed his gratitude with a 50-mile sponsored cycle for the hospital.

Matthew's achievement was made even more remarkable by his record-breaking short stay in hospital after the transplant - just two weeks.

"Since the transplant he has been building up his strength," said Sue. "The operation was a great success and he wanted to do something to say thank you."

The cause of Matthew's illness, which left him in intensive care, is still not certain as there has never been a positive test for legionnaire's disease. No other cause has been identified.

The legionella bacterium was discovered in the water supply at Canford School and a block was closed off until the water supply was treated and tested.

Matthew, who has two sisters, Emily, 17, and eight-year-old Alice, hopes to return to Canford School in September this year.

Today he is taking a well-earned rest at home in Talbot Woods in Bournemouth after completing the cycle ride, which took place in the New Forest.

So far Matthew believes he has raised around £1,500 but is keen to reach the £2,000 mark.

• Anyone who wishes to make a donation can do so by sending a cheque, payable to GOSHCC, to Matthew Stein, c/o Jane Reader, Editorial, Daily Echo, Richmond Hill, Bournemouth BH2 6HH.

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