DIY SOS: Family hails support for Telford's Matthew Cooper
The family of a Telford schoolboy who moved back into their renovated home after a TV reality show came to their rescue have praised the community’s for its support.
He was diagnosed with brain and spinal cancer two years ago.
After more than a year in hospital, he finished his treatment 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.
The programme showing the transformation of Matthew’s home was aired last week but was filmed back in March.
Since the screening, Matthew has been making good strides, improving his mobility and communication.
His father Leigh said: “Matthew’s doing quite well.
“Since we have have got back home we have been able to get physiotherapy for him and he seems to be responding well. He has not needed any more chemotherapy.
“We did watch DIY SOS and I thought it was really well done because you never know how you’re going to come across to viewers, but the reaction that we’ve had from people has been really positive.
“At the moment we are trying to get into a normal routine.
“I would like to say a big thank you to everybody.
“We feel what people have done for us has gone far and beyond what we expected, from the school’s fundraising to the building work has been so important.
“It means a lot to us that people have got behind Matthew.”
Pupils and staff at Wrockwardine Wood Junior School, which Matthew attended until last summer, organised the huge community effort on behalf of all the family.
