In the latest episode of On the Marie Curie Couch, Matthew Haywood sits down with Jason Davidson.
Matthew rose to fame as the winner of the BBC’s Survivor UK in 2023. Since then, he’s built a loyal following on TikTok, garnering more than 4.3 million likes. Based in the Lake District, Matthew enjoys watersports, football and running. He’s also passionate about raising awareness around mental health and homelessness.
In this conversation, Matthew talks about the death of his grandma, Bernadette, keeping her memory alive, and the fear of death.
"Football is the centre of remembering my grandma"
I had a really good relationship with my grandma. We had a connection over the football. It’s quite rare to find a grandma who’s really into the football. We’d go to see Huddersfield Town. The football for me is the centre of remembering my grandma. Doing something you used to do together. I want to do it but I also feel like I have to. We’ve kept her seat.
Realising your own mortality
I was in the car, I was with my grandad and he was the one that told me that everyone dies. I’d seen it in Coronation Street. That’s all I saw of death and dying until my grandad told me. I just could not believe it. I could not believe that I would die. I was so angry at him at the time. He just threw this spanner in the works; he told me what life is, it doesn’t last forever.
Listen now
Listen to Jason's chat with Matthew on the player at the top of the page. You can also listen or download the conversation via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
You can also watch a subtitled version of the conversation on YouTube.
New episodes arrive each month. Remember to like and subscribe to know when the latest episode drops.
If you need support with bereavement or grief, call the Marie Curie Support Line on 0800 090 2309 or visit mariecurie.org.uk/information
