The grieving parents of a young expert from This Morning, who passed away at the age of 19, are urging for increased ADHD screening in schools to prevent future tragedies.
In 2023, Matthew Lock lost his life due to alcohol and ketamine addiction related to his undiagnosed ADHD. As a dedicated Labour councillor and advocate, he made notable appearances on ITV’s morning program before his untimely death.
Despite their efforts, Matthew’s parents, Richard and Christine, struggled to obtain the necessary support for his ADHD. They are now advocating for schools and GPs to enhance screening procedures for this condition, which impacts approximately one in 20 children.
Christine expressed her determination to prevent other children from suffering the same fate, emphasizing the importance of understanding and early intervention for ADHD. Reflecting on Matthew’s struggles with self-medication, she highlighted the connection between ADHD and addiction.
Following Matthew’s passing, his parents established the Matthew Lock ADHD Charity to address the long wait times families endure for diagnoses and to raise awareness about the challenges of ADHD.
They believe that implementing digital screening in schools and providing better training for healthcare professionals could positively impact the lives of hundreds of thousands of children in need of support.
Richard emphasized the critical need for early intervention to prevent individuals with ADHD from developing severe mental health issues. He stressed the necessity of recognizing and addressing addiction problems linked to the condition.
Known for his fascination with vacuum cleaners, Matthew was affectionately called TheVacMat for his television reviews on This Morning. Described as a community-oriented and jovial individual, he was deeply cherished by those around him.
MPs recently discussed the urgent need to enhance ADHD screening and support services. Bill Esterson, MP for Sefton Central, praised Matthew’s family for their advocacy efforts, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and intervention to prevent tragedies like Matthew’s.
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