Welcome back to Storme Diaries 🤍
This week's episode is one of the most emotional conversations we've ever had. I sit down with the incredible Matt Brandon for a heartfelt conversation about love, loss, resilience and the unbreakable bond between a father and his daughter.
Matt's daughter, Sammy Jo, sadly passed away at just 29 years old after her breast cancer returned and became terminal. Before she passed away, Sammy Jo asked her dad to write a book about her journey and told him exactly what she wanted it to be called: When Life Goes Tits Up. Matt made her that promise, and he has since published the book in her honour.
We talk about Matt's childhood, his career, the challenges he's faced throughout his own life, and what it was like becoming a dad. He shares the beautiful bond they had, including supporting her through her IVF journey by giving her the injections she needed, and the conversations they shared during her final weeks that he says he'll treasure forever.
Matt opens up about the devastating moment Sammy Jo was diagnosed with breast cancer, how their world changed when they learned it had become terminal, and how they chose to make the most of every moment they had left together.
Since Sammy Jo's passing, her family have created the Sammy Jo Brandon Foundation, donating every penny they raise to Children with Cancer UK — a charity that meant so much to Sammy because she couldn't bear the thought of children going through what she had. Together, they've raised an incredible £600,000+, ensuring Sammy Jo's legacy continues to make a difference to families across the UK.
"Keep the conversations, keep your promises, and never be afraid to tell the stories of the people who will always be part of you."
Of course, no Storme Diaries conversation would be complete without talking about everything in between. From family, fatherhood and resilience, to grief, hope, legacy and the power of sharing the stories of those we love, nothing is off limits.
This episode is heartbreaking, inspiring and full of love. It's a reminder to cherish the conversations, keep your promises, and never be afraid to tell the stories of the people who will always be part of you.
In This Episode We Discuss...
🤍 Matt's childhood and early life 🤍 His career and personal battles 🤍 Becoming a dad 🤍 Supporting Sammy Jo through her IVF journey 🤍 Sammy Jo's breast cancer diagnosis 🤍 Navigating life after learning her cancer had become terminal 🤍 The conversations they'll both treasure forever 🤍 The promise to write When Life Goes Tits Up 🤍 The Sammy Jo Brandon Foundation and raising over £600,000 for Children with Cancer UK 🤍 Love, grief, resilience and everything in between
This conversation is filled with honesty, courage and unforgettable moments that will stay with you long after you've finished listening.
Whether you've experienced grief, supported someone through cancer, are a parent, or simply love hearing powerful stories of resilience, I know Matt's story will leave a lasting impact.