Matthew Horridge

Matthew was widowed five years ago in 2020 after the devastating loss of his husband, Simon, to pancreatic cancer. Simon and Matthew had been together for 18 years, and his death came five years after his diagnosis in 2015. In the aftermath of losing Simon, Matthew never imagined—never ever imagined—that he would find himself in a new relationship. But twenty months later, while absolutely not looking for one, he met Jonathan. Despite Matthew thinking that he wasn’t ready, Jonathan’s unwavering empathy, kindness, and enormous heart quietly worked their magic, and they have now been together for three years. The relationship has been a source of light, love, and healing—and a reminder that sometimes life surprises you with something good that you didn’t even know you needed (or in Matthew’s case, swore you didn’t want!).

Matthew has attended two in-person Camp Widow events and the virtual Camp Widow held in 2020. He joined the LGBTQ Soaring Spirits widow group when it first started, which has been an amazing source of support and inspiration that has helped him along the way.