05 January 2024 , 11:32
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A Brit dad fears he will never see his children again after he was left blinded by a stranger in a random attack at a nightclub.
Matthew James Syron, 32, was with his friends at Revolucion de Cuba in Leeds, West Yorkshire, when someone suddenly "slammed a glass" in his face on Boxing Day. He was rushed to hospital and underwent emergency surgery on both eyes, but he is facing an agonising wait as his vision is yet to come back.
The dad, who moved to Australia 11 years ago, returned to the UK so he could visit his nephews over Christmas and had just been with his family before the attack. The business owner said he went "instantly blind" after the stranger assaulted him.
He is currently recovering in hospital in England, whilst his partner and his children, Brixon, 3, and Meka-Rose, 1 remain overseas. Speaking about the ordeal, he said: "I was out in town with friends after a family party. My night was sort of coming to an end when I saw some old friends I used to play rugby with about ten years ago.
Matthew suffered horrifying injuries following the attack (Kennedy News and Media)
Matthew said he can't wait to give his son Brixon a cuddle (Kennedy News and Media)"I went to the toilet then came back. I was stood at the bar with my brother and friends then all of a sudden [someone] slammed a glass in my face. I was instantly blind. I thought when it happened 'I'm never going to see my kids again'."
Baby boy has spent his life in hospital as doctors are 'scared' to discharge him
Matthew was rushed to Leeds General Infirmary and underwent emergency surgery to help stop the bleeding, which included 27 stitches in his right eye and 10 stitches in his left. Medics are desperately attempting to save Matthew's vision but the dad fears his sight may be gone for good.
Matthew said: "I can't see out of both eyes. I can just see lights in my left eye and just black in my right. They're trying to save my eyes and there's a possibility they can save them. The optical nerve on my brain isn't damaged, which would mean I was permanently blind. That's still intact in both eyes."
Matthew is hoping his eye sight will be restored (Kennedy News and Media)He added: "I wouldn't wish this on anyone - it's been the worst seven days of my life. It's scary - the world is a wicked place. This is just unbelievable. This has ruined my life. There's a chance I can never see my kids again, it makes me feel sick.
"I think about what happened every hour of the day. All my family has been sat round this bed in tears. Luckily I have youth on my side and hopefully, I can recover quickly from this. The only thing I care about is seeing my partner and kids again, I just want to give them a cuddle."
West Yorkshire Police confirmed they are investigating the serious assault which took place at around 12.30am on December 27. The force said a man has since been charged with GBH and he is due to appear at Leeds Magistrates Court on Friday. Anyone who witnessed the incident or who has any information that could assist the investigation is asked to contact officers via 101 quoting crime reference 13230710625, or online.