To Matt’s loved ones, I didn’t know him well but Matt was a piece in Limavady becoming ‘Home’ for me. I’m not from Limavady and five years ago when I moved here I was suffering from anxiety. Getting out of the house was a struggle. I developed a routine of popping into second hand shops and I’d stop into refurnish weekly for a time. Matt was always friendly and felt so approachable. He was one of the first if not the first person to know my name and greet me by it. That made me feel safer, when I felt anxious and in the end I began to feel at home here. Matt helped me feel connected and happy in such a simple fleeting moment. It sounds so small to any neurotypical person, maybe even an over the top expression, but it meant a lot to me. It is a clear sign to me of the kind of man Matt was. I’m so sorry to hear Matt was suffering. I’m so sorry that you have lost him, and lost him the way that you have. My heartfelt condolences to you all. Ríana Lynch and Richard McCollum.

Riana Lynch