Australia's bionic dad: the inspirational quadruple amputee and his new life | 7NEWS Spotlight

When Matthew Ames fell ill in June 2013, he thought he had just come down with the flu. And four doctors agreed, sending him home to rest. When the pain became unbearable, he took himself to hospital. Matthew had contracted a streptococcal infection that ravaged his body, leading to the amputation of both arms and both legs. Rather than dwell on what he'd lost, Matthew got on with rehabilitation and adjusting to his new normal, with his wife and four kids by his side. Mike Willesee met this incredible family in 2013.
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[@awkwardautistic]

Damn... that's some incredible mental strength! Absolutely amazing.

[@49littlethoughts]

What an amazing role model he is for his children, and all of us really. He has a long road ahead, as does his equally amazing wife, but with such a loving family he will succeed, surrounded with love! He is an inspiration to us all. The very best of wishes and love to the entire family.

[@monakulasic5669]

He is very amazing and a inspiration for other . He kids speak highly of him.

[@francescaroat2076]

This man is unique! One of the bravest person in the world! I wouldn't be able to live like this.

[@stephanieritter4771]

Speechless.... Ummmm just pure love... Perfectness in humility... God bless you all

[@Handleit-o4r]

His son calls him a "legend" at the end...😢 Really moving.

[@yvonnerahui8729]

I think mums as much a legend too..without her love, courage loyalty & determination & encouragement to not only him but to the children also, he may have crumbled under the enormity of it all. Her love has sustained them all, along with the love of their extended family encouraging & supporting them on.its been a team effort & because of true love its got them this far & will keep through thick n thin.

[@carolyndaly9368]

Can see the deep love they have for each other. Handsome children as well

[@nicholestewart6855]

This man's wife is amazing and such a genuine person he's so lucky to have her

[@yvonnerahui8729]

I know..but she'd say that she's been blessed to have him..he was & is a great dad & she fought for herself & the children too, to have their dad by their side in their years ahead..as well as hers.

[@Baba_Wawa]

It was an honor & blessing to be able to hear this family’s story! It’s rare I’m lost for words but this left me speechless & in tears at their triumph. I pray life for them continues to improve, certainly with their amazing love & attitudes they can conquer anything!

[@TheMsChrisie]

I complain yet I'm healthy, with all my limbs attached. I'm inspired. So much Grace in this family. ❤

[@НатальяПарванчук]

Don't mean to be a party pooper, but anyone could loose their limbs at any time...

[@elizabethhauck2495]

So deeply moving! I’m in love with this whole family, what courage I will always remember this man!

[@ZungaGal]

What a beautiful husband and family man, his love for his family is beautiful.

[@yvonnerahui8729]

And his wife's for him..not only for herself but the children.

[@sheltonbecker2706]

I've had had 5 spinal fusions and 3 other back surgeries and I'm not nearly as tough as this guy is. What a great guy. We all get to learn from this guy

[@helengrives1546]

Incredible to see genuine love story. A great couple, the kids refflect their values so lovely. An absolutely amazing journey. The interviewer also did a great job. So, many other lives were touched.

[@walekengwira3468]

She is lucky to have Him ,I wish God could provide one for me

[@DavidWilliam-cg8do]

❤

[@keztukariri]

I love this whole family! So much love from across the ditch ❤❤❤

[@carlamanrique8602]

What a moving and inspirational story. That love is just remarkable ❤️

[@dulcehajjar5826]

And powerful ...👏🙏

[@RuskiM81]

This made me cry it's very powerful and inspirational!!

[@WonderfulSurfboards-rw9hu]

MATTHEW STORY BOUGHT TEARS TO MY EYES COURAGE AND DETERMINATION I WOULD NOT BEABLE TO LIVE LIKE THIS UNIQULY AMAZING❤

[@elsiemay2202]

What an incredible guy, so brave, so inspiring, and so determined. He has an awesome loving wife, she is so strong and encouraging. This is one beautiful family. The children are fantastic and so awesome, they’re giving him so many reasons to keep going. Never give up Matt, you really are wonderful. Huge hugs to you all, much love from the uk xx

[@tikasinaga1284]

I can not even imagine. Stay strong and healthy Matthew and family!

[@aliazm2755]

Love this beautiful kids amazing man and wife bless them all together for life 💕

[@Sheloveeli-j3x]

May God Bless This Man And His Whole Family Amen 🙏🏿

[@noor-azizahnurudeen5686]

Aamen 🤲

[@yganoks48]

AMEN.

[@rh1annaW1ndsor]

You can tell the bond that the oldest son and his father share is a beautiful one, That kids eyes light up whenever he speaks of his love for his father. That kid has such an old soul and is wise beyond his years.. What a credit to his parents him and his 3 siblings are! Just a simply beautiful inspirational family. Rich in love and wealthy because of the bonds they share. 💖🙏🏼 GO MATTHEW AUSTRALIA IS ROOTING FOR YOU BUDDY.

[@bennytwo6136]

😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊

[@reachstar7828]

This kind of love makes miracles.

[@barbvillarreal7440]

What an amazing man, Matthew. His will to live and still be the wonderful husband and father that he was before losing his arms and legs is what kept him alive is beyond measure. May God continue to bless Matthew, Di, and their amazing family. 💖🙏🏻

[@carolchappell1704]

Matthew’s family really love him - that Luke (with the gorgeous eyelashes ) looks a lot like his dad. Beautiful family. Diane is absolutely correct, those four children need the wisdom and strength of their dad.

[@LoanNguyen-js6zd]

I cried watching this from the US! Love conquers all!

[@CJ-rd9oj]

What an amazing family❤️ so humble compassionate genuine and strong. You are an inspiration to me and many many other people ❤️

[@rasheedajamal381]

Watching from South Africa.Very emotional n heart touching .I wish the families strength n love in every step of us recovery .A heart of gold and a sole filled with diamond.Never give up.From my heart to your home n families.With ❤

[@hondutel1]

An amazing example of love from his beautiful wife, resilience from both, and grit from Mathew. You are both an example to all who bear witness to your journey.

[@marvaalleyne9053]

This is so sad and heartbreaking you lost your limbs but not your life you are still there for your beautiful wife and kids she is such a loving caring woman thank god you have her in your life i pray you all have a healthy and a happy future god bless

[@alexanderdavies9774]

I recently lost my arms and I've been complaining. Not anymore, I can't imagine my life missing all four limbs. That guy is incredible! 👏

[@nuelreview8112]

😳

[@unknownqwerty2525]

How are you typing then?

[@J-Dawg-jo4gi]

@@unknownqwerty2525yeah

[@ladydriver0_0]

​@@unknownqwerty2525Really? Are you that ignorant? You haven't heard of voice text? Most smart phones have it. At the very least using a stylus in one's teeth to enter text would do it. Do a little critical thinking instead of making yourself look like a fool.

[@denisepleines1513]

Maybe someone is doing it for her. Or she's learned how to use her mouth?

[@carolchappell1704]

I have read Matthew and Diane’s book. They demonstrate what love really means. It’s amazing what the medical field can do now to help - but mostly it’s a story of what a committed loving family can overcome and conquer. Tremendous strength from these outstanding parents.

[@SAMnELLA-1]

This truly inspirational man, his beautiful wife & amazing children are already LEGENDARY!! Please, please make sure to do a follow-up story in about 1 year so all of us who would be their "youtube cheering team" can see his awe-inspiring transformation.

[@mariaquino4538]

Strong will, never loose hope, full of faith and love.. I salute you for being so brave and very loving man to his family. May God bless you and to ur children and wife. 🙏❤️❤️❤️

[@internations6272]

So grateful to get "access" to this kind of so high quality information. Can't feel more proud of him, even though I obviously don't know him. So thank you for the learnings I am getting from Matthews' story.

[@Anastacia-733]

Wonderful wife and mother..and Father...you are a beautiful family!!!!!❤️💙Greetings from Greece

[@jasoncasey7009]

I have had my legs removed 3 years apart but I don’t know how you cope with all your limps gone and you are a very strong man. I only have my legs removed and that’s hard enough. So when I saw this it made me cry 😭 for your loss and my loss that I have never cried for my loss I cried like a baby so thank you for that. God bless you keep the fight going and I will keep my fight going. Thank you just thank you 🙏

[@Bambotb]

It should be illegal..death is better

[@Cate7451]

Wow!❤❤❤

[@yvonnerahui8729]

It would be great if you could meet him. I'm sorry for your loss too..its a huge thing. Keep strong.. onwards & upwards.👏👏🙏

[@Rogue_Wave5150]

Ghost pain like crazy I bet eh

[@susanleo9608]

Beautiful children, faithful wife, all made their father/husband a big difference in Matthew's life of lifestory. It was pure love ❤ that made their sweetheart father to be alive with them. I thank God for this beautiful woman and 4 children with a great heart ❤ 💙 💜 💖 for their togetherness with their father going through in this situation. I just got emotional 😢 after seeing this video. Once again God is good and great in taking care of such family.

[@sandrafenton179]

A wonderful and magnificent story of survival along with the grace and bountiful mercies of God! Such a beautiful loving and caring family ❤ God Bless 🙏

[@NatalieSF7]

Amazing!! God bless you ! I cried, I’m speechless..

[@emmerentiagroenewald3694]

Incredible man.....and his family!!❤❤

[@chicochicoshukor7184]

Its touch me alot. May god bless this family. Im also disable. My left feet is amputee also. The spirit of love from his wife is amazing.

[@JohnDoe-hg1sv]

you can do this love is all you need and your family loves you

[@deborahburrows3282]

Great man great dad great husband. Love his ♥️

[@morgancalvi6675]

Something small....but I love the way he (Mike) stands when meeting someone new. You don't see gentlemen like that these days. Imagine this most wonderful dad NOT being there for his children? My dad's passing was 52 years yesterday, and it's anything I would give to have grown up with a dad.

[@Sheila612Miller]

Very lucky to come across a lasting forever love like this.

[@leoniekutsch5375]

This family is amazing! Courage they have but above all it is love that keeps them going ❤

[@mojjyyankees6410]

Wow! I am short of words! That's a lovely Family. His Wife is the best and his children are Godsent! I am happy he is getting the prosthetics so he can do all he aspires to do.

[@Dana-oj8um]

Such an inspirational guy, and amazing relationship they have. It's beautiful really

[@PracticalPerry]

Matthew, you and your family are a blessing. God bless you all.

[@mariemaluila5334]

Feel your son is wonderful it’s very touching it made me cry your family is lovely

[@bouchaibfaissal7622]

The best father in the world I salute you and respect you.

[@OURWORLD4EVER]

He's a great man and role model. That is a deep and beautiful love between the two. But I hope he sued those doctors that sent him back home saying it was nothing. They should have done some proper blood work etc.

[@gottabesometime6632]

What an amazing MATT, DI and family....your strength n determination is beyond the realms of human determination. I hope all the brightest days ahead for this loving family cocoon are even brighter the next day, forever and ever. I Will think of this programme daily and now to find my own tissues.

[@JoelBulger]

I about cried when they talked about each other the love they have for each other and there children

[@teutemorina1927]

What a remarkable, amazing human being!!

[@hpeace5916]

This couple make me believe in love 💕 I wish them all the best.🤗

[@jenecossey5187]

The most beautiful love story. I'm just speechless ❤️❤️

[@Barkyfortress]

I'm fucking crying He's so strong No one else could be that strong

[@catecalvertarriola3986]

Superman and Wonder Woman ❤

[@nancy-katharynmcgraw2669]

Most other comments don't have the action verb you chose to use as an adjective. It's an action verb.

[@cylenadee]

A fantastic guy with a fantastic family!!! Beautiful attitude for life it’s self and it reflects through his family also! I loved it when his little girl put the marker in HER mouth and tried to draw with it!! I would hope that his wife would keep up the FAMILY diary of what goes on in their daily lives and what blessings there are ahead!!! God bless them all!!!

[@PhleGmatic1]

Mathew, you are amazing!!!!

[@MustafaBeyaz]

Never give up, miracles happen everyday. I am also a bilateral amputee athlete.

[@godsamazinggrace5331]

Love helps us to thrive ❤️ God bless you Matthew and your beautiful wife and lovely kids 😊 An awesome family 👍

[@gladysclarke3106]

What an amazing love story, the most high god be praised.❤❤❤❤❤❤❤.

[@debbieclayton9585]

I think they are the perfect couple,he's a good father,strong and clever lovely kids with a great mother .

[@Jamuna-Atma]

It's really sad that doctors don't listen and do what they are supposed to do. He went to 4 doctors and they still sent him home. I heard that patients who endured this went thru the same thing and if it was caught then, wouldn't have had it so bad. If blood work was taken, it would have showed up.

[@mariselavaldivia-oh1yi]

You are so right . If doctors would just give there patients more attention I think it would've of been a different outcome.

[@antoineosburn8626]

I agree. It's terrible that things like this happen. The patients are Self-Advocating for themselves and the doctors don't want to listen.

[@pauleenandrews2132]

You are an amazing man Matthew, I know single amputees that don't have your ability to live life and love those around them they way you do.

[@ritareilly8548]

What a precious couple!!! God Bless them! It’s more than inspirational to see this story!!!❤❤❤ Love and prayers to you!!!

[@irenefeltham8984]

No ordinary words describe Matthew.....Peerless You Are ~ 💗🌟🙏🏻🍀🥇🦋🌈

[@shoshannafachima1306]

Atruly fabulous loving family He is already a living legend.i am sure he will succeed beautifully with the bionic limbs especially since ossio-integration is implemented I wish mathew and his family the best of luck,the future is ever so bright

[@ZungaGal]

Your children are beautiful inside and out, simply stunning.

[@nnieemmT]

Such inner strength and drive which comes from the power of deep LOVE within this beautiful man towards his remarkable wife and children is strongly admirable. I cried and prayed all the way through this powerful documentary. You, Sir, are indeed a HERO and a LEGEND. God bless you all and Mother Mary keep you ✝️🙏❤

[@orchidbloom6966]

May God bless and protect this wonderful family.🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻❤️

[@beautifulboy7878]

As an individual that has lost a limb, I was able to find a pharmaceutical form of pain relief. The "combination" of Nortriptyline and Gabapentin at HS was my "Thank the Heavens" 4 me. Wanted to share this as it may help someone else 🧡

[@roxanavilla7155]

I think they are a fantastic family, he has so much love for all of them, God bless you forever❤

[@lab4389]

And that is an unconditional love that few will know. God bless you and your family. ❤

[@budweiserthedog4449]

What a strong beautiful family, wishing them every happiness for the future ❤

[@clairehorsfall1674]

Incredible story of this wonderful Family. Beautiful Couple & specail children. Amazing Man Mathew is & his beautiful wife.This left me speechless..

[@eileenbass952]

What an amazing man, is their a second part so we can see him walking?

[@nuelreview8112]

He walking 24:14

[@chrissycornell2419]

God Bless Ya's!!!! Beautiful Family!!!!

[@a.k.maclellan54]

Amazing incredible courage. A partnership made in heaven. May The Lord continue to bless you richly.

[@KEJDMmm]

Deep empathy….you both have such courage…you’re both inspiring…. I hope they have found a way to decrease the pain….his wife has such deep love….it’s no surprise… A beautiful family….this journey will make them stronger than anyone us could imagine. 🌺❤️🥰🌺🥰❤️🌺❤️🥰

[@ailsabyrne4152]

God gives you what you can bare. Clearly Matthew & Dianne can bare this, and those beautiful children. This couple are the epitome of a true loving relationship. God Bless this family, and everything will be fine because of their absolute and deep love & respect for each other. We could all learn alot from Matthew & Dianne.

[@patperno6237]

May God continue to guide this family They are the ultimate meaning of love,faith,trust and willpower ❤🙏

[@myrnagomgom-o-ed1lr]

A circle of hugs to ur family sir ....u have a loving family ....godbless

[@saritakotze5638]

Good luck, your a strong beautiful family, God bless.....

[@sweet16honey75]

If you cry you make me cry 😢

[@joelleurack8590]

Absolutely amazing story so brave beautiful family

[@linak7155]

There is so much to learn from this wonderful family. ✨️

[@lynnkeck3952]

❤❤❤ absolutely beautiful family and salute her being a wonderful wife stay strong guys and stay in love! ❤❤❤ Godbless your family 👪

[@MariaDoloresAttard]

ONE OF A KIND WONDERFUL MAN WITH SUCH LOVE TO HIS WIFE AND FAMILY! MAY GOD ALWAYS BE WITH YOU ALL! BEAUTIFUL AMAZING COUPLE! ❤ HOW NICE GOD BLESS YOU🙏💜

[@michelledelaney5132]

Omg the tears 😭 please give amn update with his new limbs what beautiful people what a beautiful family thank god for the wife he has and all the love between them ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️

[@patmele2078]

Amazing ! Mathew is incredibly brave ! I too am an amputee right leg . Those kids are something else ! They are very kind & wise ! Keep fighting! Di you are a special lady , love your strength ! I have a prosthetic as well that has a computer & learning now with pt . Love your family ! Be well !

[@myrnabarbosa7410]

Matthew God bless you nad your family.Thanks you from sharing your story. Beautiful kids!

[@allisynlitton8373]

What a true inspiration this beautiful soul oooooozzzes out , the love, the respect, the honesty, the true grit of being an amazing husband and father is an exceptional human being, the tenacity he shows is amazing. Your lovely wife and children simply adore you, and you are not willing to give up the honour they praise you for. I wish you all the happiness in the world ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@alouette65]

You are so amazing!!! Lot of love from Germany ❤️

[@IsabelGomez-b8s]

God bless this family❤beautiful kids❤

[@leece_6702]

Yet again the interviewer focuses on all the emotive stuff. And there was only the brief mention that he had felt so unwell he'd seen 4 doctors beforehand who had all sent him home! These stories should be equally, if not more, about more health professionals recognizing the signs of sepsis earlier, so this DOESN'T happen to people!

[@ChayrityPerez]

Your VS’s and blood work should show that there is something completely wrong with anyone suffering from SEPSIS how could they have missed it

[@user-wf2xh4un1m]

Dieu bénisse cette formidable famille. Diane est une personne extraordinaire !

[@nicolarollinson4381]

I guess the pains he gets are related to his exercise regime. What an amazing man.

[@acooksla]

Unbelievable- what a beautiful family. Truly inspiring ❤

[@vloggingwithconnie1635]

Amazing story,lovely family.❤️