Matty making most of his treatment respite
TEEN’S TUMOURS STABILISED – AND FAMILY HOPE THAT MEANS ‘BRING ON MORE FUN’
A TEENAGER is to undergo a trial period of reduced chemotherapy after it emerged brain tumours that doctors said were untreatable have stabilised.
The decision is aimed at giving Matty Hatton, pictured, from Mountsorrel, a “better quality of life”.
The 16-year-old had 18 months of gruelling treatment after he was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2016.
Despite initially making a recovery, Matty and his family were told last year the tumour it had returned – and was inoperable.
The youngster has since been diagnosed with further tumours and is having palliative care which has involved further chemotherapy.
However, in a post on his Matty’s Magical Memories blog, his parents said: “Good news. Matty’s scan showed that his tumours are stable. “They haven’t grown any further.
“The decision has been made to trial reducing the chemo in favour of better quality of life. Bring on more fun!”
Matty and his family have refused to be cowed by his predicament and he has been seeking out thrills and experiences to enjoy and savour with the support and encouragement of a small army of well-wishers and their kind donations.
His most recent escapade saw him ride Velocity 2 – the world’s fastest, and Europe’s longest – zip line, at the former Penrhyn Quarry, in North Wales.
Mum Alison said: “Here is another magical memory. What a week it has been, making memories. This one definitely ticked Matty’s adrenaline seeking box .”
The teen and his family also took a helicopter ride over the city and county, organised with the help of Derbyshire Freemasons Motorcycle Lodge joined other bikers from the Widows Sons group.
“Another magical memory,” said Alison. “We had a fabulous helicopter ride and visited home, the LCFC ground and the new training ground, Bradgate Park and the space centre, to name but a few.
“However, the definite highlight was flying over Matty’s school field where the amazing Widows Sons had spelt his name out in motorbikes.
“Matty was so thrilled. It was truly awesome.”
The bikers have previously turned up at the Team Hatton home as a surprise, and also organised, funded and escorted the family to Lon- don for an overnight trip.
Alison, speaking to Motorcycle News, said: “The support is so important because it allows us to make memories.”
Matty managed to take a few photographs with his camera - but not as many as he hoped.
“I was too busy looking at everything to concentrate on taking pictures,” he said.
Matty also appeared on BBC Breakfast as part of a Children in Need update, in which he told viewers about the work done by Rainbows hospice, in Loughborough.
Good news. Matty’s scan showed that his tumours are stable. They haven’t grown any further
Mum Alison