A lasting legacy for a much-loved Tynemouth teenager is being launched on the eve of what would have been his 20th birthday to help families facing childhood cancer tackle the rising costs of getting to treatment and putting food on the table.
Matthew’s Meals and Miles honours Matthew Adams, who was 18 when he died from an ultra-rare and incurable neuroendocrine cancer affecting just two people out of every million and virtually unheard of in anyone of his age.
The new initiative has been set up under the umbrella of Children’s Cancer North by Matthew’s family, who are turning their grief into something positive by creating an enduring legacy in his name.
Matthew’s Meals and Miles will support young cancer patients and their families from across the North East and Cumbria being treated at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle, by providing practical financial help for food, travel, and other everyday expenses.
Its launch has been prompted in part by the cost-of-living crisis, which is placing additional financial pressure on families already dealing with the emotional and practical demands of looking after a child or young person with cancer.
Matthew’s Meals and Miles will provide practical support to ease some of the often-overlooked costs of lengthy hospital stays, repeated journeys for specialist treatment, and daily care for a seriously ill child or young person.
