Please be aware that this article relates to suicide and gambling addiction. You might choose not to read on if you’ve been personally impacted by either of these things.
Matt Burgiss, a Kent-based former actor turned youth worker, is bravely sharing his story of survival and recovery to raise awareness of gambling addiction and suicide prevention.
In 2016, we treated Matt after an attempt to take his own life linked to a gambling addiction that began in his teens. Thanks to the rapid and specialist care provided by KSS, including on-scene surgery and blood transfusions, Matt survived and has since rebuilt his life.
Matt says: “I don’t remember much about that morning, but I do remember waking up on the ground, unable to move. I’d broken my feet, pelvis, ribs, wrist, and back. I was in agony I just wanted it all to stop.
“I didn’t know what KSS did until I learned they’d performed surgery and given me blood at the scene. Without that, I wouldn’t be here.”
Matt now works for GamCare helping to set up projects that support people affected by gambling. He credits KSS with saving his life and giving him the chance to help others.
Professor Richard Lyon was part of the KSS crew which cared for Matt that day.
Richard explains: “Matt needed an emergency anaesthetic, chest surgery, blood and plasma transfusions, and an air ambulance to fly him directly to St George’s major trauma centre. Without the rapid care provided by the South East Coast Ambulance Service team and all of the lifesaving air ambulance interventions that we provided, the outcome for Matt might have been very different.
“Matt’s survival was down to a combination of rapid response, advanced medical care, and teamwork. To hear that Matt has been able to turn his life around is amazing – he has gone on to use this experience to help others in the same situation, which for me, makes Matt’s story even more remarkable.”
We’re is proud to support Matt in sharing his story and encourages anyone struggling to reach out for help.
Please contact our Patient and Family Aftercare Team if you need support. Dial 111 or contact the Samaritans on 116 123 if you’re in a crisis situation. For support with harmful gambling contact GamCare – Founder of the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133.
