Bristol Direct Local Weekly Magazine 19th - 26th November 2020

Page 30

Mortgage advisor waives fees for NHS and military

A mortgage advisor in Bristol is waiving broker fees for medical staff, military personnel and veterans - to thank ‘heroes serving community and country’. Matt Colley, who heads Moving Experience, wants to thank those who saved his children’s lives and cared for them in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). And the dad-of two, whose own father served in the RAF, is also donating money from their commission to two charities supporting a hospital in the city and the armed forces.nMatt, 45, from Fishponds, said: “I’m lucky to have two healthy boys, thanks to the skill and dedication of the team at Southmead Hospital. “I am also grateful to the military community who serve us in many ways, including setting up hospitals during this pandemic. This is our way to thank the heroes serving our community and country.” The team at Moving Experience, which also provides protection cover for events such as sickness and death, is fundraising for Southmead Hospital Charity and SSAFA – The Armed Forces Charity, that supports Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and their Families. Life-threatening complications at birth Matt’s first son was 10 days overdue and labour was induced. But he was in the back-to-back position, with the back of his head against his mother’s spine and became stuck 30

.Baby Theo developed both fluid on his lungs and an infection - and had to be delivered quickly using forceps and ventouse. He was taken to the NICU to be given a course of antibiotics, and later drip-fed after he failed to feed properly and lost weight. Matt said: “The day before his birth, we had been laughing and excited about meeting him. We felt that everything was under control “The next day the person I loved was drugged and surrounded by professionals, who were concerned about my unborn child and monitoring his heartbeat. “As a father looking on, there was absolutely nothing I could do for my partner or son. It was a terrifying experience and I felt helpless. “But I never failed to be impressed by the experts looking after him, who kept us informed and reassured while doing their job.” Mother and baby both stayed in hospital for an extra 10 days receiving treatment, until given the all-clear. Matt said: “We felt such relief and gratitude as we carried him out in the car seat. Southmead Hospital is a special place, with a committed and phenomenal team.” More medical care was required three months later when Theo was diagnosed with intussusception, a serious condition in which part of the intestine slides into an adjacent part of the intestine. He was treated at the Bristol Royal Hospital for Children.


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.