In July, Matt King OBE, Variety’s inspirational Wheelchair Ambassador, married his sweetheart Ilona in a fabulous ceremony held at the stunning Palace Smilowice, near Krakow, Poland.

Matt, a former outstanding rugby player, kept true to the sporting vernacular by declaring he was ‘Over the moon’, to be marrying Polish born Ilona.

Friends and family from both the UK and Poland took over the Palace for the weekend and after an initial evening where guests had a chance to get to know each other; the very moving ceremony took place next day in the open air with the vows being made both in English and Polish.

Matt was seriously injured playing in a rugby league match for the London Broncos Academy. Following his injury, Matt’s life changed completely, as he was left paralysed from his neck down and unable to breathe independently. However, he returned to his studies, gaining a First Class Honours Law degree, and subsequently qualified as a lawyer in 2016. Matt was presented with an OBE in 2013 for his outstanding charitable work by HRH The Prince of Wales at Buckingham Palace.

Matt speaks at our major fundraising events and helps Variety to make presentations to potential new supporters, demonstrating the importance of Variety’s work for disabled and disadvantaged children and young people. Matt is a wonderful Ambassador and we are delighted to have been able to support him through the provision of a specialist wheelchair following his accident.

Everyone at Variety wishes Matt and Ilona a long and happy life together in the UK where Mr and Mrs King will continue to live and work.