DIY SOS in Telford: Matthew Cooper's new home gets the nod
Matthew Cooper is making great progress since moving back home, according to his former headteacher.
Julie Henry, of Wrockwardine Wood Junior School, Telford, led a major fundraising campaign for the 12-year-old after he became ill and along with Matthew's school friends was instrumental in bringing BBC's DIY SOS to Telford in order to adapt his home.
The programme showing the transformation of Matthew's home was broadcast this week, but was filmed back in March.
Mrs Henry said since the making of the programme, Matthew has been making good strides, improving his mobility and communication.
She said: "He is very good, there is a long way to go but he is doing really well.
"People who watched the programme would have seen he could just lift his thumb but now he is able to do a 'superman' move and lift his arms above his head. He is also using a standing frame at home.
"He also has an electric wheelchair which he will be able to operate himself, but he still has his 'L' plates at the moment, with the house and garden the way it is, he will be able to manoeuvre himself about.
"He is bright, he is working hard with his language, he has a teacher from the Bridge School come in to help him and he is working very hard.
"It is not feasible for him to be back in school at the moment but I am sure it will not be very long.
"His mum and dad are back at work which is good for them, gives them a bit of normalcy.
"Matthew has always been a fighter and now he is in his new home with his lovely Doctor Who bedroom he has even more to fight for."
Matthew spent 15 months in Birmingham Children's Hospital, from August 2015, after he was diagnosed with brain and spinal cancer.
After more than a year in hospital, he finished his chemotherapy and since the end of last year had been living in a rented house, unable to return home until the family home was made suitable for his needs.
Hundreds of tradespeople from Telford and beyond stepped up to help the BBC DIY SOS, led by presenter Nick Knowles, to transform the home.
Matthew's story had attracted much support from the community, with people donating more than £50,000 to the family, which will now go towards paying for his ongoing treatment.
Julie said the school held a viewing party in the school with staff, where they were joined by Matthew and his father Leigh.
She said she was "humbled" by watching the programme, which was shown on a big screen at the school in Church Road.
Julie said she was "very proud" of all the schoolchildren who helped.
