Sudden death of Darwen teaching assistant shocks community (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Sudden death of Darwen teaching assistant shocks community

11:10am Monday 6th February 2012 in News By Sam Chadderton, Reporter

A COMMUNITY is reeling after the sudden death of a 22-year-old man.

teaching assistant Matt Boardman, of Prince Lee Meadows, Darwen, died on Wednesday night at the family home.

The Blackburn Rovers fan and qualified sports coach was found in bed at 7pm by his parents Paul and Diana Boardman as they went to wake him up to go to the match at Ewood Park.

His devastated family, including brothers Mikey, 20, and Niall, 11, have been left stunned at Matt’s death and say they are waiting on the results of a post-mortem examination today to shed some light on the cause.

They said not having an explanation ‘added to the torture’ of his loss.

Matt was diagnosed with epilepsy aged 19, but apart from being unable to drive because of the condition, lived life to the full.

His girlfriend Rachael Gavin, 24, described him as ‘the perfect person’. Matt sent her a text at 5.45pm on Wednesday because she had been feeling unwell.

He asked her ‘Are you okay sweetheart?’ It was the last contact he had. The couple had been together for 13 months.

Matt, Mikey, Niall and Paul, all season-ticket holders, were about to go and watch Blackburn play Newcastle United.

Mum Diana, 49, acting head at St Alban’s Primary School, said: “It is every parent’s worst nightmare. It had just been a normal day, but when we went upstairs to see if he was ready for the game, he couldn’t be woken.

“We want to thank everyone who tried to help him and all those who have offered support since. He was modest, loving, generous, brave, reliable and fun-loving. His last text to check if Rachael was okay says everything about him.”

Matt also leaves both sets of grandparents, John and June Shorrock and Anne and Eric Boardman.

Dad Paul, 49, who works for Cobble Blackburn Ltd, said: “You never expect to bury your own children or grandchildren. Not knowing why he died is just adding to the torture.

“His friends who he plays football with for The Chancers had t-shirts with his picture on them and ‘Boardman 17’ made and held a minute’s silence on Thursday. His other team, Guide-based Bayerneverlusen, are changing their name to ‘Matt Boardman FC’ in his honour. They will hold a minute’s applause in tribute tonight before their game.

The family paid further tribute in a statement. It said: “Matt’s sudden death has shocked and devastated everyone who had the privilege of sharing his life; a life that, although far too short, was filled with love, fun and friendships.

“His family treasure every moment spent watching him grow from a perfect little bundle of joy into the wonderful young man that so many people will be proud to remember.

“So many people feel blessed to have known Matt through his junior football days playing mostly for Akzo Juniors or through his school days at St Alban’s then at Our Lady and St John’s, Blackburn. Other people will know him from St Mary’s College or UCLAN, where Matt gained a degree in Sports Coaching. Matt had recently started work as a teaching assistant back at St Alban’s and was much loved and respected by colleagues, children and families alike.

“His girlfriend Rachael was adored by him and will always remember him as her ‘perfect person’ and we are so thankful that she was such a special part of his life.

“We will all miss him madly, but we know that his love will be with us always.”

The family were due to be told the results of a post-mortem examination today.

A date for the funeral has yet to be arranged, but will take place at St Alban’s RC Church.

Yesterday, St Alban’s Rev Jude Harrison, a lifelong family friend, asked the congregation to keep Matt and his family in their prayers.

He said: “Matt has been a brick in the fabric of St Alban’s school since he was born. He has helped in a voluntary basis for years and recently he joined the staff officially.

“He was described as St Alban’s ‘Pied Piper’ with the children ever following behind him. Such tragedies test the faith of saint and sinner.

“The funeral will take place here at St Alban’s when we will celebrate Matt’s life, short, very sweet, full to the brim. A beautiful role model for our children, a young man full of faith, goodness, fun and care. God bless.”