A man tragically died eight months after he defied the odds to survive a cardiac arrest. Matt Clare’s loved ones were told that he would not recover when he was rushed to A&E in April last year.
Doctors said that even if he did survive, he would be brain-damaged and lose all mobility. But, despite the shocking outlook, Matt managed to walk again after recovering from the ordeal, his sister Becky has said.
However, his heart function remained at around 35 to 40 per cent and he was taken back to A&E on December 31. An infection and pneumonia followed, and sadly, Matt died at the age of 37 on Wednesday, January 8.
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Becky has now paid tribute to her brother who is described as “the happiest and funniest man who is loved so much by all.” She added that he was a keen musician and loved to sing and play the guitar and banjo.
“He had the biggest talent and won many competitions,” she said. “He was the life and soul of the party.” Becky added: “Matt was rushed to A&E having a cardiac arrest suddenly. He spent six weeks on life support and had multiple organ failure.
“He was told he wasn’t going to make it and they gave him no chance – saying even if he did survive, he could be brain damaged and lose all mobility too.
“Defying all odds he got stronger and came through the other end with no brain damage, after lots of physio he became able to stand, walk very short distances but that was huge for him and all of us and he was so proud as was we all. His sense of humour was still there, and he shined brighter than ever. He looked at the funny side of everything.
“Despite this happiness, he had no kidney function and a very weak heart and continued on dialysis for many months. After improvement, he was able to beat the machines, and we thought he was truly on that road to recovery, but with only 35 to 40 per cent heart function, he really struggled in the battle, and on December 31, our lives changed forever.
“He was rushed back into A&E with a low heart rate after nine days of fighting a raging infection, cardiac problems and pneumonia. Suddenly, we were called to the hospital on January 8.”
She said: “Our whole world [has been] destroyed, the tragic loss of an amazing brother and son and grandson and friend at only 37 years old. His cause of death [was] hypertrophic cardiomyopathy which is a disease affecting 1 in 250 people which sometimes goes without warning with no symptoms.”
Becky, from Walsall, is now raising money on a GoFundMe page as she deals with the loss of her beloved brother. She added: “Thank you to everybody who has sent their condolences and kind messages, the GoFundMe has been set up for all those that have offered support to us and to help give Matt the send off he so truly deserves after this cruel battle.
“Any funds will be used to help with costs towards the funeral and flowers and his family’s support during this awful time and anything more will be donated to Cardiomyopathy UK a charity for this cruel disease, Any donations will be so gratefully appreciated thank you!
“Matt, you’re the brightest star in the sky, we will forever love and miss you! The love and support we have all received is truly amazing. We love you. Until we meet again.”
Click here to view the GoFundMe page.