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Fond farewell to 'little soldier'
He was the little soldier who fought until the end.
More than 200 mourners packed Oxford Crematorium today to say farewell to 24-year-old Matthew Bigden who defied doctors' expectations to overcome a life-threatening heart condition they thought would kill him just after his birth.
Matthew - known as Matty - from Garsington tragically died seven days ago, just weeks before the birth of his first daughter Hannah.
The passionate Oxford United fan was killed while working as an engineer for British Gas in an incident that is being investigated by the Health and Safety Executive.
The former Wheatley Park schoolboy was born with his heart on the wrong side of his body and the left ventricle - the organ's main pump - missing.
He amazed doctors by surviving several serious operations during his childhood.
Yesterday mourners young and old shed tears, danced and had a can of lager in memory of Matty, whose coffin was draped in an Oxford United flag.
Paying tribute to her son at the funeral, Diane Lockey, 47, said: " You will always be in my heart.
"I told you we would fight this together and we did, operation after operation.
"You never complained or moaned about your condition, you just accepted the fact. It is such a shame for us to watch you become a man and never ever to see him become a dad or to hold his baby.
"I will never forget my little soldier."
His father Steven said: "When he was born he showed such strength and determination as he attempted to survive. I realised then we had a true fighter on our hands and so it proved over the years.
"He saw fatherhood as a challenge and I know he would have made a wonderful dad.
"Matthew I'm so proud you were my son and always will be."
His little sister Mollie said: "You were always the brave one and you did all the things the doctors said you couldn't. I will miss you so much my big brother."
His partner Natalie Bentley said: "You changed my life for the better. I was never happy before I met you.
"I will always make sure our daughter knows how amazing you were."
Before the funeral mourners were each handed a can of Foster's, Matthew's favourite drink, and they were asked to open them before his brother Chris placed an open can on his coffin.
Mourners then toasted Matthew's life and danced to Come on Eileen.
7:51pm Friday 18th July 2008
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CommentPosted by: ivortheengine on 8:59pm Fri 18 Jul 08
Rest In Peace Matty. An inspiration to us all.
Rest In Peace Matty. An inspiration to us all.
Posted by: Terry Chandler, Oxford on 2:32am Sun 20 Jul 08
Rest in peace Matty. Such a plucky young man, condolences to the family.
Rest in peace Matty. Such a plucky young man, condolences to the family.
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