Young Gold Coast dad Matthew Inwood’s agonising wait for new heart

The family of a 35-year-old man who suffered ‘severe heart damage’ have pleaded for the community’s support as he faces an agonising wait for a heart transplant.

The family of a 35-year-old chef who suffered “severe heart damage” have pleaded for the community’s support as he faces an agonising wait for a heart transplant.

Beau Inwood said his brother Matt Inwood suffered a heart attack last Tuesday after he woke up “feeling a bit off”.

“He tried to stretch out his body thinking that he had slept badly, then he jumped into a hot shower while (his wife) Liz got their baby Noah ready for the day,” Beau said.

“Little did they know Matt was having a severe heart attack. This is when Matt started to experience chest tightness, body aches, chills and cold sweats.”

After the couple called an ambulance, Matt was rushed to Gold Coast University Hospital and was later placed in the intensive care unit.

“In hospital our family was notified Matt was very unwell and had multiple blood clots and fluid on his lungs,” he said.

“After two nights in ICU at Gold Coast, the doctors decided to send Matt by lights and sirens to ICU at Prince Charles Hospital, the leading cardiology and transplant hospital in Queensland.”

Beau said the family then received the “devastating news” that the beloved son and brother had suffered severe heart damage and required a heart transplant at the age of 35.

With Matt’s job being the main source of income for the family, his brother launched an online fundraising page to help pay their mortgage and regular hospital visits.

Since it was launched two days ago, the community has raised a whopping $11,000 for the Inwood family.

“With the unknown hospital and recovery that comes with his illness, it may be months, if not years until he is able to earn a full income,” Beau said.

“As a family, we would like to thank you for any donation that you may give, and we know that Matt will be undeniably appreciative to all that give him support and strength.”

Family and friends have posted messages of support online for the family.

“Sending you all the hugest virtual cuddles and kisses during this rough time,” Claire Ross said.

“Love and prayers from the Burns family,” Sunnie Hubbard wrote.

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Originally published as Young Gold Coast dad Matthew Inwood’s agonising wait for new heart