Episode Thirty Two - Matthew Henderson

 Episode Thirty Two - Matthew Henderson

Click on link above to take you straight to Matthew's episode.

 

 Kia Ora

Welcome to my Thirty Second Episode.

Let me introduce you to Matthew. Matthew and I grew up together, as children, for the first decade of our lives. His mother is good friends with mine and we were a part of each others lives for a while.

Matthew posted on facebook, over a year ago, about his journey with suicide and I knew I needed to have him tell his story here on Candid Kiwi.

He talks about his family and childhood and then about his move up to Hamilton where things changed drastically for him.

At highschool he started getting teased and bullied so badly on a daily basis. Name calling, and pushing and shoving, happened constantly. It became such a burden on him that he made up illnesses to not have to go to school. 

After years of this he came to the conclusion that he needed to take his own life.

Matthew talks to us about his journey and how he's still here and what happened on that day and since that made him grateful he didn't go through with killing himself. 

His story isn't unique, unfortunately. There are many out there suffering silently, with bullying and hate being thrown at them. 

Matthew's story reminds us to be more kind, to look up, to reach out and to stop bullying and be a safe place for people who are struggling. You never know how your kindness can literally save a life.

Here are some pictures of Matthew and his family.

Matthew with his mother, Lyn.

Matthew with his wife Horiana, who has big plans to be the next Mayor in Hamilton.

Matthew and his family 

Matthew on his mission.

Matthew at highschool

His three beautiful children.

Their wedding day.

Matthew with his father.