Matthew, a 13-year-old from North Lincolnshire, is back on the ice, thanks to a new para-sledge. His previous para-sledge was tragically stolen with his mother’s car during a trip to see a Sheffield Steelers game. As a trainee with Sheffield Steelkings para ice hockey club, his loss was deeply felt, as ice hockey has become an integral part of his life.
After the theft, Matthew’s mother, Victoria, who works as a nurse, quickly organised a crowd-funding campaign to raise the £1,000 required for a new sledge. The response was overwhelming, with donations exceeding their goal. In a touching display of solidarity, the Basingstoke Junior Bison club, which is closing after 30 years of operation, offered to buy Matthew a new sledge using their leftover funds.
The new sledge was a delightful surprise for Matthew, who was at school when Victoria assembled it. She described the new gear as superior to the original due to its lighter and more aerodynamic design. Upon receiving the new sledge, Matthew was filled with joy and gratitude, eager to resume the sport he so adores.
Tony Rearden from the Junior Bison club stated that the decision to support Matthew embodied their community spirit, highlighting that hockey should be open to all. He shared that helping Matthew during their club’s challenging time was a gratifying experience, and the knowledge that he would return to the ice was meaningful for the entire club.
This story originally appeared on www.bbc.com and was adapted for The Lincoln Post.
