Terri Greenslade's colleagues at the Tourism Department are raising funds to help her family with medical costs incurred when her son Matthew suffered a traumatic brain injury in a Labour Day cycle accident.

Matthew celebrated his 21st birthday on Tuesday at the King Edward Hospital where he has returned after spending time overseas at Boston's Beth Israel Hospital and the Spalding Rehabilation Hospital.

Matthew has made good progress, after his initial prognosis was not good, but recovery will be ongoing and more than what his insurance will cover.

Tourism staff have set up the Matthew Greenslade Recovery Fund and tomorrow will hold fundraising events at St. John's Church.

From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. will be a Family Fun Day, including a car boot sale ($25 entry) and $5 car wash. There will also be stalls and other fun events with a $2 admission ($1 for children up to 12).

At 4 p.m. there will be a concert in St. John's Church featuring the Saltus Jazz Band and solo artists. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children up to 12 years old.

"From the point of view of the Department of Tourism staff, Terri has worked with us for a long time and as her work colleagues, her sort of extended family, we've watched both her children grow up," said organiser and co-worker Barbara Willis. "Because Matthew has encountered this terrible accident we all feel their pain and sympathise with the family so much we immediately rallied together a group of work colleagues to decide what we could do to help out. People are calling us from all walks of life."

Terri and husband Stanley have a younger son, Thomas, who is in school in Canada. The family said the support from family and friends, hospital staff and the community at large has been tremendous.

"There are so many people who have helped Matthew come to this point," Mrs. Greenslade said. "Matthew was put on prayer chains right through the Island and at a number of places in the US, Canada and UK. I think a miracle has been bestowed on him. The spiritual side of this plays a big role and crosses all types of religions. The level of energy that has grown in him is incredible."

Anyone wanting more information about the fun day or the fund can contact Jonelle Christopher, Jasmin Smith, Carlos Durham or Barbara Willis at 292-0023.

Tuesday's Lifestyle: The Greenslades talk about their ordeal.