Family pay tribute to ‘little prince’ who never gave up

THE heartbroken family of an eight-year-old Plumbridge schoolboy who died unexpectedly have thanked the local community for the massive support they have received after their untimely loss.

Little Matthew Felix McBride, who was a popular pupil at St Peter’s Primary School in Plumbridge, passed away peacefully at his home on Ligford Road last Thursday. He was laid to rest on Sunday after a Mass of the Angels held in Sacred Heart Church.

Back in 2016, when Matthew was just four-years-old, he was admitted to Altnalgelvin and then on to the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children with encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain tissue.

Unfortunately, this led to other medical conditions arising.

Speaking on Wednesday, his mum Sinead said, “Matthew fought back with such determination; always with a smile on his face. He never gave up or complained once.”

Sinead, her husband Mark and daughter Grace say they will be “forever grateful” for the support given to them by the wider community in Plumbridge, particularly from the staff and pupils at St Peter’s PS.

His mum said, “Matthew touched the lives and hearts of so many people in his short life; he made an immediate impact on everyone he met. There are too many people to thank who were part of Matthew’s life; his family, friends, teachers and medical professionals.”

Described by local parish priest Fr Brian Donnelly in his moving funeral address as a “little prince”, Matthew had attended Jack and Jill Playgroup before moving on to St Peter’s PS.

Sinead said that her son had loved his time at school, where he made many special bonds with friends, teachers and his classroom assistant – referred to by the family as his ‘school mummy’.

“She played such a huge part in Matthew’s life, which we are forever grateful for. He got the best support in St Peter’s. They were provided with a new modular building to support Matthew’s needs within the school,” Sinead said.

A young boy with a great love of farming, Matthew was happiest when he was outside, whether it was playing with his treasured sister Grace or his cousins.

Sinead said, “He loved going to the farm with his daddy, visiting his uncle and grandad’s farm, feeding the cows and getting on the tractors, diggers and quads. Lockdown has provided us with so many fond memories as Matthew got to spend so much quality time with all of his immediate and extended family.”

Known by many names, such as Buddy, Scooby Doo and Buster, the family will always remember his mischievous streak.

“At times, Matthew may have got away with being a mischievous boy, which always makes us laugh and smile. He got attention wherever he went,” Sinead admitted. She added, “We would like to take this opportunity to thank our family, friends, neighbours and the local community who dropped in generous gifts and for allowing us quiet time during the wake, St Peters PS, medical staff at Sperrin

Family Practice, Plumbridge, Fr Donnelly for the beautiful Mass and Matthew and Kirk Funeral Directors for their assistance during this past week.”

The family have requested that donations in lieu of flowers can be made to St Peter’s Primary School, where Matthew was so happy.