Petrolhead Matthew Clark, from Leiston, gets supercar surprise on final weekend with EACH’s The Treehouse, in Ipswich
A mum is thanking kind hospice patrons after her car-mad son was treated to an amazing birthday surprise.
Matthew Clark, of Leiston, near Woodbridge, enjoyed his last weekend with East Anglian Children’s Hospices by being taken for a spin in a McLaren.
Having turned 18, he is now moving to St Elizabeth Hospice to continue his care, with the staff arranging for the beautiful car to be brought to The Treehouse, in Ipswich, for his last weekend with them.
The car is owned by Mick Palfrey, whose friend Richard is an EACH volunteer and the husband of its lead administrator Suzi Macey.
Matthew’s mum Janice said: “It was such a lovely gesture, a complete surprise to him and something we appreciated very much.
“Matthew was on a real high afterwards and had the best and most special time – he said he’d remember it forever.
“Our thanks go to the staff who made it possible and both people who spared the time to bring their cars along; they went above and beyond to make his birthday extra special.
“We’ll all miss everyone at The Treehouse, they’ve been brilliant and always had a knack of making Matthew laugh.”
Matthew, who has been visiting the hospice since he was around six months old, has a range of health complications, including pulmonary hypertension, microdeletion and scoliosis.
He was able to press buttons and open and close the gull-wing doors of the McLaren, as well as being taken for a spin around the car park several times.
Car owner Mick, who is from Kirby Cross, said: “It was so rewarding and very enjoyable.
“I was more than happy to help and to see the smile on his face made it all worthwhile - it was a brilliant experience.”
The following day, which was Matthew’s actual birthday, he got another surprise when Michelle Marhsall, former EACH Band 6 Nurse Team Leader, visiting with her Tesla.
Michelle worked for EACH for ten years, and knew Matthew from a young age.
She said: “It was a privilege to be asked along and be part of his last stay at The Treehouse.”
EACH care for children with life-threatening conditions across Cambridgeshire, Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk, as well as their families.
