March 2005
Thank You from Nicola Mayatt
Sponsored Kick for Cancer Research UK
in Memory of Matt Mayatt
Matt Mayatt (1st Duan Senior) with two of his young students.
Photograph taken at the National Championships 2001I would like to thank everyone who participated in the sponsored kick in aid of Cancer Research. We have managed to raise £3,560. This event was organised in memory of Matt Mayatt who tragically died of bowel cancer two and a half years ago, at the age of 32.
Matt started training in 1993. As he progressed he became more and more involved in the club and made many friends throughout the association.
Chris Rowlands was an instructor from Kent who decided to start a class at Oaklands, Walderslade, and Matt as a red belt helped him establish the club. He then became a 1st Duan in 1997. He continued to instruct at the Oaklands class and then decided to open his own class with the blessing of Grandmaster Loke.
Nicola Mayatt (1st Duan) with Grandmaster Loke and students
with the cheque for £ 3,560 for Cancer Research UKI had several times gone to lessons but left for various reasons but once Matt started his own class I decided to join again as a pupil. I thoroughly enjoyed it and liked to help the students.
In 2001, Matt also took over a class at Strood. Not only did he run two classes, he always tried to promote Tang Sou Dao, putting on a display at a local fete and doing various sponsored events such as tile breaking. He took so much interest in all his students encouraging them to fulfil their potential.
People always commented upon his enthusiasm for martial arts. We luckily managed to visit China and Hong Kong in 2001 which was his dream, I'm so glad he managed to fulfil this.
I have since gained my 1st Duan, which was both fulfilling and emotional as I know Matt would have been so proud of me. I now have taken over his class on Davis Estate and hope that some of his skill and enhusiasm has rubbed off on me. His daughter Kayleigh, now 5 years old, has just obtained her yellow belt continuing in her Dad's footsteps.
Students at National Headquarters proudly holding the chequeI once again thank you all for the great amount raised which will hopefully go towards vital research into this terrible disease. Also I would like to thank Grandmaster Loke, Master K Blakemore, Mrs Loke, Dan Prentice and the whole Tang Sou family for supporting and encouraging me throughout this difficult time.
Tang Sou!
Nikki Mayatt (Matt's widow)
Grandmaster Loke & Nicola Mayatt with students from Strood
holding the cheque on 6th March 2005
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