Mat’s Story
Mat Bayfield was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour in 2012, and passed away in 2019. Although his brain tumour was incurable, Mat didn’t let this define him and lived by his favourite motto “Life is no rehearsal”.
Mat was a people person, interested in getting to know everyone he met.
He sang in various bands and duos over the years, from Glam Rock to Folk, and loved to tell stories and build rapport through his music. He was also a keen sportsman, especially football, and met many friends and made lasting memories through this.
Over the years Mat raised money and awareness through various fundraisers such as charity walks and music events. In 2017, Mat and his wife Kelly started fundraising through “Mat’s Walk and Talk Challenge”. This was a month of daily walks in Suffolk where he encouraged people to come along to have a walk and to share experiences. By the end of the month, over 500 people attended a walk around The Glemham Hall Estate, and through amazing support and generous donations, they raised over £20,000 for The BTC.
Through fundraising and sharing his story, Mat has inspired others to get involved with The BTC and to make the most of each day. He has left a lasting legacy.
Mat’s Legacy
Madi Bayfield
After losing my dad, I wanted to do something to help the charity and to carry on his legacy. In 2021, as a nod to Dad’s charity walks, I completed my first fundraiser which was a “50 Walks in 50 days Challenge”. Through doing this, I was contacted by my Community Fundraiser, who suggested that I should apply to become a Young Ambassador (YAM) for The Charity.
Becoming a YAM is the best thing I have done. I have met many friends who have been through similar experiences to myself, have learnt new skills, and have been given some great opportunities to get more involved with The Charity.
Over the years, I have continued to fundraise for The Charity and this has included raffles, coffee mornings and walks. The biggest fundraiser has been a Charity Football Match played by Dad’s old teammates. We also had a charity walk and an auction on this day, and we managed to raise over £5000!
In 2024, I decided to set up the “Mat Bayfield Legacy Fund” to raise funds and awareness for The Charity, and to celebrate everything that has been achieved in dad’s memory.
Stephen Bayfield
Although I was always aware of the impact that Brain tumours had on sufferers and their families, it never became real to me until our son was diagnosed with an inoperable glioma, aged 41. Mat’s attitude from day one of his diagnosis was to live the remainder of his life to the full. My Son was an Inspiration to many during his long illness, but none more so than to me and his Mother.
The memory of his achievements, and our pride that our Granddaughter has become so engaged in the activities of the BTC ,has definitely driven my enthusiasm to support The Charity at every opportunity. This has been achieved on many occasions with my various Character comedy performances and after dinner talks.
I hope that, although getting on in years, I can continue to offer my support for a while longer yet.
The Community
Mat’s local community has also supported The BTC in his memory. An example of this is The Sweffling White Horse, who host a well-supported monthly charity walk come rain or shine!
Garnett’s Gardens have fundraised through a Christmas Market and various raffles, and the Weavers Tea Room have hosted a coffee morning.
Mat was also the lead singer for “The Glamtastics”, who continue to fundraise regularly for The Charity through music events.
A big thank you to everyone who has supported The Brain Tumour Charity and The Mat Bayfield Legacy Fund over the years; from raising awareness and funds to attending events and spreading the word.
