Matthew Rutherford Wren (1930 - 1978)

My father, Matthew Rutherford Wren, was born in 1930 to a long line of coal miners.  He was not to follow them as he became diabetic in 1941.  

Matthew in 1939. Just prior to him becoming diabetic.

Seriously ill during his early teens he missed out on his secondary education and was destined to hold a series of manual and semi-skilled jobs.  Despite his diabetes he kept active, particularly with cycle touring. 

Cycling in Lincolnshire (~mid 1950's). 

He also had a talent for painting which he took up in his later years.  He married Margaret Ellen Fenney in 1956.  They had five boys (I was the second) including twins.

Matthew and Margaret with firstborn David Matthew in early 1957.

He died whilst out walking alone near Eyam in Derbyshire in March 1978, aged 47.  His diabetes had contributed towards him suffering from angina which finally caused the fatal heart attack. 

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