A father from Somerset is facing a prolonged and challenging recovery in Spain after a holiday turned into a nightmare last week. Matty Durbin, a 36-year-old father of two and well-known local football coach, suffered a serious fall from a balcony, resulting in multiple fractures and leaving him stranded in a Spanish hospital, unable to travel home to the UK.
Durbin, who works as a self-employed electrician and volunteers as the coach for Clutton U10s Football Club, was on holiday when the accident occurred. According to close friends, the fall left him with significant injuries, including fractures to his pelvis and spine in four separate places. His injuries are described as severe and are expected to require an extensive period of rehabilitation.
With no immediate means of returning to Somerset and mounting medical and travel expenses, Durbin’s plight has prompted an outpouring of support from his friends, colleagues, and the wider community. In response, his close friend Adam launched a GoFundMe campaign, seeking donations to help cover the cost of travel for Matty’s family and the purchase of necessary mobility aids upon his eventual return to the UK.
Adam, who spoke to local news outlets, described Durbin as a “passionate and dedicated coach” who is a fixture at Clutton FC, giving up evenings and weekends to support local children. “He’s the type of person who never asks for anything in return, always the first to offer a helping hand, whether running training sessions or supporting others through tough times,” Adam shared.
The community’s response has been swift and generous, with more than £6,000 raised so far. Adam added, “Matty has touched so many lives through his years of volunteering and sponsorship of youth football. It’s been incredible to see so many people, including strangers, come forward with messages of support and financial help during this difficult time.”
While Matty is said to be overwhelmed and humbled by the backing he’s received, the family still faces significant uncertainty. With Matty unable to return to work as an electrician for the foreseeable future and the cost of foreign hospitalisation continuing to climb, Adam and other supporters are urging locals and well-wishers everywhere to continue to rally around the Durbin family.
Beyond his sporting commitments, Matty is described by friends as a devoted Bristol City supporter and a role model to the children he coaches. “He’s the sort of bloke who rallies behind everyone else, never thinking twice about giving his time or energy to help those in need,” Adam remarked, calling on the community to show Matty the same consideration and support he has offered others over the years.
For the family, the road to recovery is likely to be a long one. In addition to the expected need for mobility support and ongoing medical care, the psychological strain of being isolated from home while healing adds another layer of complexity to Matty’s recovery process.
Organisers of the GoFundMe page continue to post updates, expressing gratitude for every donation, encouraging note, and social media share. They say these acts of kindness have provided a vital morale boost at a time when the Durbin family needs it most.
Members of the Somerset and wider football community are keeping Matty and his family in their thoughts, reminding everyone of the power of collective goodwill in times of sudden hardship. Anyone interested in contributing to Matty’s recovery fund can do so via the campaign page, with all donations helping to bring the family one step closer to being reunited at home.