Remembering Matt Beacham, Stratford fundraiser. He battled a brain tumor with a positive attitude and raised funds for Guide Dogs.
He was a charity champion in Stratford and known for unusual fundraising activities. Matt was always positive and caring.
Matt supported Guide Dogs and helped raise funds for 18 dogs over the last 11 years. All fundraising was self-funded by him.
He walked across Europe and the UK, and once biked home from Switzerland. He bungee jumped off the Verzasca Dam, which was in a James Bond film. He also swam the Avon River twice from Stratford to Welford.
Matt had stories to share. He often told them in pubs, usually while drinking beer.
Besides fundraising, Matt owned railway cafes on the Greenway path, one in Milcote and another in Stratford. He sold them in 2020.
Matt was one of five children, raised in Welford by his parents, David and Shirley Beacham. His dad owned a hair salon in Stratford, opening in 1958.
Matt attended local schools and then went to theater school. He acted with the Royal Shakespeare Company as a child. He worked at the Mill theatre.
Then, he returned to the RSC as a scene painter. Later, he joined Pinewood Studios and worked on Bond films like GoldenEye. Matt then started his cafes.
Matt and Louise married in 2011, after dating previously and reconnecting in 2008. Their love story rekindled after some time apart.
Matt learned about his tumor in 2021 and had brain surgery later that year which was partly successful. He kept fundraising until his illness worsened.
In late 2023, Matt walked the South West Coast Path, completing it in sections. He finished near Barnstable in September 2024. His brother Simon joined him, and they laughed and shared memories in pubs.
Simon plans to finish the walk in Matt’s memory. The brothers had become quite close throughout the years
Matt named puppies after loved ones. Now, they want to fund a 19th puppy and name it Matt, to honor his love for dogs.
Louise thanks everyone for their support. People will remember him smiling, with a beer and a dog, and will miss him greatly.
The funeral will be on March 11th at the Vale Crematorium. Guide Dogs will honor him there.
People can donate to Guide Dog 19. You can contribute in Matt’s name.
A Guide Dogs treasurer said Matt was dedicated to the charity. He worked imaginatively to raise funds.
A friend said Matt was gentle. He had a heart of gold.
Others shared memories of him, recalling his art and his kindness. He was special and popular.