My name is Matthew Caruana, and I threw myself off a seven-story building at 16. I had constantly said to myself, “I hate you, Matt. You’re worthless, you’re a waste of space. This is it.”
So, I jumped. Miraculously, I survived and gained a second chance at life. I could have succumbed to the new reality of being a paraplegic. I didn’t.
I began a great new life.
From the “worst day of my life”, I’m turning it into my best years.
2023 LATEST NEWS:
Guinness World Records: Transforming Hope Through Action
Through months of focused training with leading authority in functional fitness and current Guinness World Record (GWR) holder Marcus Bondi, we broke the GWR for the most towel pull-ups in one minute!
Every day in many ways, I turn my current disability into my advantage, to forge an ability to push further, harder and rise higher. Because I’ve had so much against me, I’ve been able to direct that gravity in my favour to develop my mind, body and spirit to go beyond what I ever thought was possible. Nothing is out of reach when the only way is up!
2023 Lifeline National Ambassadorship
In March, I became an ambassador for Lifeline, the organisation leading suicide prevention in Australia. This partnership is aimed at amplifying hope to ensure others don’t end up in a similar situation that I was in at 16.
On Lifeline’s 60th birthday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese shined a light on the not-for-profit to recognise its service and invaluable support for Australians. Hearing those words from our nation’s leader reaffirmed the great decision I had made.
So far, early into our relationship, I have taken part in The Humans of Lifeline campaign, featured in Season 2 of their podcast, Holding on to Hope and completed the City2Surf representing them.
Happy 60th birthday Lifeline. I look forward to our alliance, the lives we’ll reach and the hope we'll share together!
Awards
Guinness World Records: Most Towel Pull-Ups in One Minute
Basketball NSW: 2023 Waratah 2 Two-Point Player of the Year & Hills Representative Coach’s award
WayAhead Mental Health Matters Awards: Leadership Through Lived Experience Award
JCI: Ten Outstanding Young People Awards: Humanitarian and/or Voluntary Leadership
Basketball NSW: All Star 5 - 2022 Waratah League 2-point player of the year
As Seen On:
Testimonials:
“What a remarkable young man, What a message. I have parents begging him to come back.”
“What he did today touched a lot of hearts, and helped a lot of people.”
“Please have a look at Matt if you’re considering someone to bring in to speak to your people.”