Matthew was injured after being attacked with a bottle (Picture: Kennedy News/GoFundMe)
A self-employed dad who fears he was blinded by an attack in a nightclub on Boxing Day has been given thousands in a major fundraiser.
Matthew Syron was on a night out at Revolucion de Cuba in Leeds on Boxing Day when he was attacked with a bottle.
Matthew, 32, has lived in Australia for the last 11 years but had returned to Leeds to spend time with his nephews for Christmas.
He underwent emergency surgery on both eyes, receiving 27 stitches in his right eye and 10 in his left, but his vision is yet to return and he’s worried his sight has been permanently damaged.
The business owner and dad of two is unable to return home due to his injuries, but the community has rallied around him to help support him and his family.
A GoFundMe page was set up on Wednesday and it’s already raised more than $AUD 30,000 (£16,000) as Matthew and his family face uncertainty over his business and future medical bills.
Matthew with children Brixon and Meka-Rose (Picture: GoFundMe)
He had to undergo emergency surgery (Picture: Kennedy News and Media)
The fundraiser, organised by Claudia Syron, said: ‘Matthew now faces multiple surgeries and rehabilitation with no guarantees.
‘Matthew has lived in Australia for the past 11 years, but due to his life changing injuries he is unable to return home to his young, beautiful family for the foreseeable.
‘Along with being heartbroken and adjusting to life, nobody needs the added financial pressures in such traumatic circumstances.
‘Upon his return his medical bills could be astronomical and he will undoubtedly need love, support and rehabilitation. With such uncertainty of his future, his business and income will also suffer.
‘We have had an outpouring of love, well wishes and people wanting to show their support. We cannot thank you enough.’
Matthew, partner to Keone Rawiri with whom he shares three-year-old Brixon and Meka-Rose, 1, fears he’ll never be able to see his partner and children’s faces again.
He said: ‘I went to the toilet then came back. I was stood at the bar with my brother and friends then all of a sudden [someone] slammed a glass in my face.
‘I was instantly blind. I thought when it happened “I’m never going to see my kids again”.
‘I can’t see out of both eyes. I can just see lights in my left eye and just black in my right.
Matthew with his partner Keone Rawiri and their children Brixon and Meka-Rose (Picture: Kennedy News and Media)
‘I wouldn’t wish this on anyone – it’s been the worst seven days of my life.
‘It’s scary – the world is a wicked place. This is just unbelievable.
‘The only thing I care about is seeing my partner and kids again, I just want to give them a cuddle.’
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West Yorkshire Police confirmed they are investigating a serious assault that occurred in the early hours of December 27.
The force said detectives are investigating the incident, which is believed to have occurred at around 12.30am, and are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to get in touch.
A 37-year-old man had been arrested in connection with the attack.
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‘Matthew now faces multiple surgeries and rehabilitation with no guarantees.’