Matthew Browne

[hatfieldbee]

Interesting for me to see in the Chelsea match programme, the message from the Browne family, who were making their 1st visit to the BCS for the match.

I know the family through my late Dad, a Hanwell resident, who passed away in 2010. They were very helpful, effectively being 'on call' if he had a problem. They very kindly did this for a number of years, until we were forced, by his dementia, to move him into a Residential Care Home near us in Hatfield.

If there was a problem that needed me to be there, I would inevitably get a call from Keith or Maxine, and would be at Dad's flat asap.

Dad knew them through the Church he was organist at, in South Hanwell. He had told me about Matthew's health problems, and of his love of the Bees. It was ironic, in a way, that I, too was an ardent Bees' fan, so whenever I met Keith & Maxine, there would be a few comments about football. At the time, there wasn't any idea that little Brentford would be a Premier League team in the future.

Keith and Maxine retired down to Cornwall a few years ago. I'm glad they were able to get up to BCS, and see the much improved facilities for disabled fans. I very much hope they enjoyed their day.

 

[TW3Bee]

Lovely story.

Look forward to reading that, when my programme finally arrives.

 

[Wise old Bee]

My youngest children were at Oaklands with Matthew who was taken at such a young age but who faced his illness very bravely. Maxine and Keith were kind and lovely people of strong religious faith which must have helped them in the challenge they faced. I wish them well in their retirement.

 

[hatfieldbee]

As I understand it, it was a retirement from their 'normal' jobs, but they found a disused Church in Cornwall, sold up from Hanwell, and were going to set up some Christian retreat down there. Apart from swapping Christmas Cards, we haven't had direct contact with them for some time now. Will need to put an extra note in their card this year.