A BARRY man will be laid to rest next week, after years of battling a rare condition.

Matthew Snooks was born on February 9, 1983, to Venetia and Alan Snooks.

He died peacefully on February 3, 2021, after eight years dealing with a rare condition: a Tert mutation on his chromosomes.

Matthew was one of five children: Lisa, Holly, Gareth - known as ‘Tonto’ - and his older brother Shane who sadly died six years ago in 2015.

Matthew attended Colcot Primary School and Barry Boys Comprehensive in his younger days.

20 years ago, he met the love of his life – Rachel Hunt – and the couple were married in 2008.

Tragically, in 2013, Matthew was diagnosed with a rare genetic condition which currently had no known cure – a Tert mutation on his chromosomes.

Despite this awful diagnosis, very few people knew the health battle that Matthew was fighting as he “never complained.”

Mathew Snooks

Matthew Snooks

He was given a bone marrow transplant six years ago, but this was unsuccessful, and he regularly travelled to King’s College Hospital in London, along with having weekly transfusions at the haematology unit in the UHW.

His uncle, Dean Snooks (the brother of Alan), said: “Mathew never complained and very few people knew that he was battling this illness.

“He was such a lovely guy and was a great uncle.

“He was a massive rugby fan, supporting Wales, and he enjoyed football – he was a Leeds United fan.

“He worked at Carpetright up until when he found out there was nothing else the doctors could do for him."

Matthew was admitted by ambulance to hospital on New Years Day with an infection and his health deteriorated rapidly. He was told the devestating news that there was no further treatment available. Matthew was allowed to return home with pallative care in place and died peacefully with his wife at his side

Matthew’s funeral will be on February 18.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic there is a limited number of people - by family invite only - allowed at the private service.

Friends and loved ones of Matthew are welcome to line the streets (while socially distancing) to pay their respects and say their final farewells.

Matthew’s cortege will leave his home at 2.30pm via Dyfan Road, St Brides Way, Ramsey Road, Merthyr Dyfan Road, and Elizabeth Avenue - where he lived in his youth - to Cardiff & Glamorgan Crematorium in Barry for 3pm.