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Former Marine who’s helping fund little girl’s cancer treatment by selling his medals chokes up meeting her

Veteran Matthew Goodman was determined to help the little girl fight the disease

Former Royal Marine Matthew Goodman is selling his medals to help fund four-year-old Lottie Woods-John’s £200K cancer treatment.

Matthew, 35, appeared on Thursday’s Good Morning Britain and struggled to hold back tears when he came face-to-face with the youngster.

Matthew explained he wanted to help Lottie after reading about her battle with neuroblastoma.

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Matthew served in the Royal Marines for five years and decided to put his medals on auction to help fund Lottie’s treatment.

The war hero had never actually met the little girl but was so touched by her emotional story he decided to step in and put three of his service medals for sale online.

Speaking about the decision, Matthew told hosts Richard Madeley and Kate Garraway: “I just thought to myself what do I have of maximum value that can have maximum impact.

“I thought those medals have got a greater purpose. The utility for them is far greater than sitting in my bedroom.”

He continued: “Someone is going to like those medals and Lottie is going to have her chance to go to the USA.”

Kate then said: “You’re doing such a fantastic thing for Lottie that we thought it was about time you met the person you are doing this for.”

Lottie then came out with her mum Charlotte and Matthew was left visibly emotional as the met the little girl.

Kate asked Charlotte what she thought about the incredibly kind thing Matthew is doing.

Charlotte told the hosts: “I was totally speechless.

“I remember the telephone call and I just didn’t know what to say. It was such a huge thing to me because it’s such an amazing, kind thing to do.”

She added: “I was just blown away, I still am.

“I keep saying thank you but it’s not enough. I can’t find the right words that say thank you.”

Talking about Lottie’s illness Charlotte revealed: “It started with a tummy bug.

“Didn’t think anything of it but she didn’t get better.

“We went to the doctors and they sent us to the hospital and we didn’t go home for one month.”

She added: “It’s a thing you don’t think about as a mum.”

Charlotte then gave Matthew a gift to show her appreciation for helping her daughter.

She gave him a hoodie which read “Team Lottie” on the back.

Viewers watching from home were stunned at Matthew’s amazing gesture and praised him on Twitter.

One said: “Should be more WONDERFUL people like Matthew #gmb.”

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Another added: “Matthewgoodman is a true hero @GMB #GMB @kategarraway @SeanFletcherTV.”

“#MatthewGoodman completely inspirational & #Lottie is gorgeous @GMB #gmb Lovely story,” a third said.

https://twitter.com/nicholasmith6/status/900606545226067968


Rebecca Carter
Associate Editor (News)

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