By BRIDGET COOK
MATT Lewis had a simple message for Cranbourne Secondary College students when he visited them this month – think before they act.
The Pakenham man knows all too well the consequences of making a bad decision that can impact the rest of your life.
Mr Lewis had his legs and fingers blown off and nearly lost his life after a horrific backyard explosion that left him in a coma for five weeks with life-threatening injuries.
Mr Lewis was at a party in Cannons Creek in August 2011 along with his younger siblings Stephen and Linda and about 10-15 friends and family members when the accident happened.
He and a Cannons Creek man were both injured when the chemicals they were mixing exploded in the backyard of the Currawong Grove property.
Since surviving the accident, something doctors believed was not possible, Mr Lewis now visits schools to talk to young people about the consequences of a silly mistake.
He visited Cranbourne Secondary College on Tuesday 18 June and spoke with VCE students, focusing on the choices young people make in life.
Cranbourne Secondary College proactive and preventative program manager Jan McAleese said he spoke to students about his life before and after the accident, his injuries, consequence of his decision, having good judgment, coping strategies and confronting choices.
“Students were totally absorbed by Matt’s incredible story of rebuilding his life after making a decision that changed his life in two seconds,” she said.
“The overriding point Matt stressed is to think before acting.
“He does not want anyone to suffer and experience what he has gone through and continues to do so.
“Matt’s engaging personality and his clear love of life was captivating in sharing his powerful message.
“I am hopeful that Matt’s story will remain with our students for some time to come.”
