'˜Hero' Matty's final act saved lives of four

Matty Bialasek, 30, of Marton, died on October 4 after suffering a sudden, unexplained build-up of fluid in his brain.

But his death has saved the lives of four complete strangers – including one who had just 24 hours to live – after he signed up as an organ donor.

The electrician, who was due to get married on December 17, complained of a headache on the night of September 30, and began slurring his speech, vomiting and feeling dizzy.

A CT scan at Blackpool Victoria Hospital showed severe hydrocephalus – water on the brain – and he was rushed to Royal Preston Hospital, where he fell into a coma.

His fiancée Emma Woodcock, 23, said: “He just said ‘I can’t do this any more’ and closed his eyes and went to sleep. What breaks my heart the most is knowing he never had the chance to be a dad.

“He wanted it so much. We were going to start trying for a baby in January.”

Despite three major operations – including one to remove a part of his skull – attempts to save his life were unsuccessful, and he died with his fiancée lying by his side.

Now the former hotel worker, who lived with his bride-to-be on Penrose Avenue, Marton, has been hailed as a hero after donating four of his major organs to people with life-threatening conditions.

Teacher Emma said: “It’s brought me so much comfort knowing that he has saved four people’s lives. I know that’s what he would have wanted.

“He was such a giving person. He would give anything to anyone. He would go out of his way to help people. He’s done this amazing, selfless act and it makes me so proud.”

Matty’s heart was given to a man in his 50s who had been given just one day to live after his own heart failed.

A kidney was given to a man in his 40s who had waited three years for a donor. The other went to a man, also in his 40s, who had been waiting for two years. A man in his 60s received a liver transplant.

Matty also gave his pancreas to medical science, and donated his eye tissue, skin, bone and tendons, which can be stored for up to five years.

In recognition of his actions, Matty, who moved to the UK from Poland 10 years ago, was posthumously awarded the life-saving medal of the Order of St John.

Now Emma has vowed to honour her fiancé’s bravery by encouraging other people to sign up as organ donors.

A charity night to raise awareness of organ donation and raise money for Royal Preston’s intensive care unit takes place on December 17 – the day they were due to marry. She said: “Matty was a real hero and that’s why I want to raise awareness for organ donation.

“There are so many people who wait months and even years for organs and some people even die waiting. I don’t think it’s quite sunk in yet.

“My right-hand man is gone.”

The event takes place at the Devere Hotel on December 17 at 7pm. There will be a short memorial to Matty and a talk from NHS staff, followed by live entertainment, a Christmas market, charity auction and a raffle. Entry is £20 for adults, children go free.