Surrey and Middlesex unite to support Matt Dunn’s fundraising push in memory of his daughter

Surrey and Middlesex will come together to support Surrey’s Matt Dunn and his family during the County Championship match between the two teams at The Kia Oval (May 11-14).

Matt, wife Jessica and their family are fundraising throughout May in memory of their daughter Florence, who tragically passed away aged just two years-old, at the beginning of March. Florence lived with Dravet Syndrome, a rare form of epilepsy.

The family will cover 5k each day of the month to raise awareness of Dravet Syndrome and to raise funds for the Dravet Syndrome UK charity as part of the ‘Every day in May for Dravet’ challenge started by Tamara Ward.

On day one of the contest between the two London sides, Dunn and a team of runners will head from Lord’s to The Kia Oval, arriving in front of the Micky Stewart Members’ Pavilion during the lunch break of the fixture.

Dunn will be presented with signed commemorative caps worn by every member of the starting 11 from both sides, that will be auctioned to raise funds to support the family’s fundraising effort. Both teams will also wear special T-shirts in the warm-up to the match that celebrate the life of Florence Dunn.

At diagnosis, when Florence was 11 months old, the Dunns were informed that Florence may never walk or talk as a result of the condition, however she defied those expectations and became a ray of sunshine in the family’s life.

Florence’s condition led to serious seizures that occurred throughout her life and on March 11, 2023, Florence sadly passed away in a sudden unexpected death in Epilepsy (SUDEP).

Matt and Jessica Dunn said “We’re incredibly grateful to the cricket family for the support we have received over the last few weeks. As an enduring legacy we feel passionately about raising funds for families who are living through the same traumas as we did.

“With hope for a more positive future for families and individuals battling Dravet Syndrome. With the recent breakthroughs regarding genetic therapies and other current research being done there is certainly potential for an exciting future.”

Surrey are partnering with Dravet Syndrome UK to increase awareness of the condition. The charity is dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by Dravet Syndrome through support, education and medical research. They supported Florence, and the Dunn family, throughout her life with the condition.

Dravet Syndrome is a rare neurological condition that occurs in around one in every 15,000 births in the UK. As well as experiencing severe, difficult-to-control seizures, children and adults with Dravet Syndrome have varying degrees of intellectual disability and a spectrum of associated conditions (known as ‘comorbidities’), which may include autism, ADHD, behaviours that challenge and difficulties with speech, mobility, eating and sleep.

Donate to the Dunn family’s fundraising for Dravet Syndrome UK here.

PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD