Australian father goes blind on holiday after being brutally attacked by a stranger: he may now never see his family again
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There are fears a father-of-two will never see his family again after he was stared in the face by a stranger while on holiday.
Matthew James Syron was enjoying drinks with friends at Revolution De Cuba nightclub in Leeds on Boxing Day when he was 'brutally' attacked by another customer with a bottle or glass in the face, instantly blinding him.
The 32-year-old, who has lived in Australia for the past 11 years, was on holiday in Britain with his family when the incident occurred.
Mr Syron said he feared he would never see his two children again.
The father-of-two fears he will not see his family again after the attack.
Mr Syron is currently blind in both eyes following the incident.
He now faces a lengthy recovery and multiple surgeries in an attempt to restore his sight, with 'no guarantees' that he will be able to see again.
With such a long road ahead, he will be separated from his fiancée Keone and children, three-year-old Brixon and one-year-old Meka, while he remains in an English hospital.
His family has set up a GoFundMe campaign to help with the costs of recovery, as his “business and income” will likely suffer as a result of his accident.
“Besides being heartbroken and adjusting to life, no one needs the added financial pressure in such traumatic circumstances,” his sister Claudia Syron wrote.
'Upon his return, his medical bills could be astronomically high and he will undoubtedly need love, support and rehabilitation.'
His fiancée Keone remains in Australia with the family. Photo: Facebook
He is a former rugby player and an Ironman athlete. Photo: Facebook
Mr Syron was in top form as he traveled to England, completing an Ironman race a month ago and writing on social media that he was 'proud' of his achievements.
“To the people reading this who want to make a change in their lives and get better. It's never too late to start and you 100 percent have enough time to get to work. Just figure it out and go for it,” he wrote on Instagram.
West Yorkshire police are investigating the serious attack, British media report.
“A 32-year-old man was struck by glass and suffered serious eye injuries requiring treatment,” a police spokesman said.
“A 37-year-old man has been arrested in connection with this case and remains in custody.”