Matt Greenwood, A Terminally Ill Oxford University Student Who Hoped To Travel The World, Dies Aged 21

His friends raised more than £60,000 so he could tick off his bucket list.

Matt Greenwood, who studied engineering at Oxford University, passed away on Sunday after being diagnosed with bone cancer in October. 

After his right leg was removed to allow him to leave hospital, the St Edmund hall student had hoped to spend his final months travelling the world.  

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Oxford student Matt Greenwood died on Sunday after battling terminal bone cancer
Matt Greenwood

Speaking in November, Matt said: “One of my greatest passions was to travel as much as possible; I have been to Africa, China, and toured Europe.

“I am not just going to lie here and let cancer win; I am going to travel and party and love, and get the most I can out of the remainder of my life.”

His bucket list also included the three peaks challenge, taking a hot air ballon ride with his dad and learning to ride a bike again. 

Since Greenwood’s death over the weekend, tributes to the avid rower and rugby player have flooded in.  

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Matt climbing a mountain in China with friend John Logan in 2015
Matt Greenwood

His friend Alec John Burns said “a hero and a dear friend” had passed away. 

“Matt Greenwood was the kindest, funniest and most spirited person I’ve ever had the good fortune to meet and I’m glad to have known him,” he wrote. 

“He fought to the very end and I think that perfectly summed him up. 

“You will be sorely missed my friend, but you will live on through all of us. I love you buddy.”  

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Tributes to the engineering student have flooded in
Alec John Burnes

Greenwood’s former college, St Edmund Hall, also released a statement remembering him.

“It is with very great sadness that we have to report that undergraduate Matt Greenwood lost his fight against cancer and died yesterday, with his family at his side,” the tribute read. 

“He was a brilliant and brave man who made a huge impact not only on those who knew him, but also inspired and impressed many complete strangers.

“Our thoughts and heartfelt sympathy go to all his family and friends.”