WHAT TOM DID NEXT
IT has been a whole year since Elaine Morgan was caught up in a whirlwind as one of her sons became a surprise TV hunk and the other a rugby homecoming king.
The Morgan brothers from Bridgend were cast into the limelight 12 months ago after Tom became an overnight star after appearing on Channel 4’s The Undateables after battling with Tourette’s, Asperger’s and ADHD.
Brother Matthew meanwhile had just signed a contract to join Cardiff Blues. And 12 months later, both boys are still keeping their mum on her toes.
With Tom appearing on The Undateables again this week and Matthew being the talk of Welsh rugby after a wonder-try against his former club Bristol earlier this month, it’s no wonder their mum is as proud of her boys as ever.
With their father Phil, Elaine has watched Tom’s confidence transform since appearing on The Undateables. He’s now throwing himself into his social enterprise.
Registered in June, Mentoring Plus UK is a community interest company founded by Tom.
It aims to help young people gain access to sport who face barriers in their lives.
Elaine said the family plan to support the company going forward in memory of Tom and Matthew’s cousin, Glenn, who died in October.
Elaine, 50, said: “He went on The Undateables this time last year. It just snowballed a little bit from there.
“The whole point of being on the show was to raise awareness. It has given him a lot of confidence. He has come on leaps and bounds.”
Tom, 27, has gone on to speak at a number of conferences about his story in the last year, has become a sports ambassador for the National Autistic Society and has even moved out of the family home.
Elaine said: “Prior to The Undateables, something like that would be a small step to some but it was a huge step for Tom.
“It’s been really good for Tom. He was coming back and forth for a while, everything is in the house now. It was a huge step for him and he’s really settled in.”
Tom has also started playing for Bridgend RFC again after a three-year break from the club – even taking home a supporters’ man of the match award after a recent fixture.
Tom’s appearance on TV also broke down barriers much closer to home.
“Matthew has grown up with Tom, but until Tom was on the TV he didn’t realise how tough a battle he’s had through life”, Elaine explained.
“It’s given Matt a bit of an insight. For Tom, he wouldn’t be where he is if it wasn’t for that.”
And while Tom may not have found love on The Undateables, his mam admits she would love to see him meet someone special.
“It’s opened people’s eyes more. Now that he’s over in his house, I’d love him to meet someone, but I would never ever put pressure on him. If it happens for him, it happens for him.”