Just two years after experiencing a terrible struggle for survival waiting for a heart transplant, a Coleg Gwent student is now not only successfully back on his feet, but is realising his ambition to study graphic design and excelling on his course.
Matthew Lammas was born with a congenital heart defect which meant he had needed many small medical procedures since his birth. When his condition seriously deteriorated two years ago aged just 19, Matthew had to abandon his ambitions and education, and he and his family suffered an agonising wait for a heart transplant.
Following the lifesaving procedure, Matthew, now 21, undertook an amazing recovery which enabled him to follow his passion for art uninterrupted for the first time. From coming so close to losing his life just two years ago, the talented student has made leaps and bounds, and is now excelling on his BTEC Extended Diploma Art & Design (graphics) course at Coleg Gwent’s Pontypool Campus, last year achieving a distinction.
After facing such a huge trauma, it’s understandably been a long road back to recovery, but budding artist Matthew is positive: “The first year was quite a struggle, but I’m doing so much better now and I’m a lot stronger,” he said.
“Now that I’m feeling healthier, I’m just very happy to be getting on with my life. It’s a great feeling to be back at College and to get a second chance to do what I enjoy.”
Matthew’s tutor, Mark Williams, is delighted with his progress: “Matthew’s flair and passion for art and design, and particularly technology-based graphics is evident in his work, he’s keen and takes on any challenge with fantastic enthusiasm and drive.”
Matthew’s mother Helen Murray also works at Coleg Gwent’s Pontypool Campus as an Inclusion Coordinator in the ‘Green Room’ at the Campus, a space offering student support.
Speaking about her son’s incredible journey she said: “We’re so proud of what Matthew has achieved since his operation. It was a desperate time, waiting for the transplant, but he’s now fit and well and hasn’t looked back.”
Helen has become an Ambassador for the British Heart Foundation, and both Helen and Matthew were recently invited to the House of Commons to tell Matthew’s story.
“The session included MPs, different charities and health parties, and we were also invited to have tea on the House of Commons terrace with our own MP Paul Flynn,” said Helen.
“It was great to be able to highlight the important role of the British Heart Foundation, in helping people like Matthew to go on to lead healthy and happy lives.”
Matthew, who researched Emily Pankhurst for a course assignment, was given a special guided tour of Emily Pankhurst’s historical places of interest in the House of Commons, an experience which he describes as both “surreal” and “amazing.”
Despite an unimaginably tough few years, Matthew is now looking to the future with a renewed enthusiasm for life, and is relishing every moment. The keen graphic design artist is hoping to go on to university after another year at Coleg Gwent: “I’d eventually love to go into advertising,” said Matthew. “At the moment I’m really enjoying my course and the new friends I’ve made at College, it’s the place to be!”
