It was supposed to be an ordinary Sunday night at home.
In the evening of July 6, 37-year-old Matty ‘Matt’ Cooper was relaxing on the couch with his partner Sophie, unwinding from a busy week, while watching his favorite team, the West Tigers, on TV.
As a dedicated father to three young boys, all under eight, and the successful owner of two landscaping businesses, Matt appeared to be in excellent health.
Physically active and well-known in his Central Coast, NSW community as a family-oriented man who would always pause to assist a friend, there was no indication of what was to come.
In an instant, that night turned into a nightmare when Matt went into sudden cardiac arrest right there in his living room.
His heart stopped. Sophie immediately called emergency services, and paramedics fought to bring him back before rushing him to hospital.
Bridget Arahill, a close family friend who has known Matt for over 30 years, recounted to the Daily Mail that the initial hours and the subsequent days were among the most distressing she had ever experienced.
In her opinion, something so terrible shouldn’t have happened to such a great guy.
On July 6 this year, 37-year-old Matty Cooper’s (pictured) life was turned upside down after a shock heart attack while at home
“Matt is incredibly generous. He always gives freely without expecting anything in return, whether it’s for his children, the local community, or his friends,” Bridget noted.
‘He’s a loyal friend, a guiding light for his children, and the type of person who leaves people better than he found them.’
Matt spent 10 days in the Intensive Care Unit as doctors worked around the clock to keep him stable.
But after an MRI scan, his family were hit with more devastating news.
Because of his heart attack, Matt’s brain had been starved of oxygen. The damage, they were told, could be long-lasting.
‘They were told to prepare for the worst,’ Bridget recalled of the news while Matt lay in ICU.
However, despite the grim prognosis, Matt’s fighting spirit began to show immediately, surprising even medical professionals.
Matt was transferred to the neurological ward, where he received daily physiotherapy and specialized care. Gradually, small signs of progress began to appear – a hand squeeze, a glimmer of recognition.
In an instant, one seemingly-ordinary Saturday night night turned into a nightmare and now Matt is fighting for his life. Pictured: with partner Sophie
By the time Bridget visited him on her birthday, she was stunned.
‘He was conscious enough to speak and wish me a happy birthday,’ she said. ‘The doctors can’t explain it. What they saw on the scans didn’t match what he’s now able to do.’
Matt can now say words, follow commands, and perform tasks doctors never thought possible – at least so soon.
‘We call him a miracle – and he is,’ Bridget said.
‘It’s still day by day. He’s not out of the woods yet, but he’s already come so much further than anyone thought, especially in just a month.’
While Matt’s determination is unquestionable, his recovery will be long and unpredictable. The extent of his brain injury means rehabilitation could take years, perhaps even the rest of his life.
‘There’s no timeline,’ Bridget said.
‘It could be six months, a year, three years, 10 years. No one can say. What we do know is the financial impact will be ongoing.’
Despite the grim prognosis, Matt’s fighting spirit began to show immediately, surprising even medical professionals when he regained consciousness and tried to speak. Pictured: with partner Sophie
Matt’s mother Debbie hasn’t left him for more than a few hours since the night he collapsed, and his sister Carly has joined them from interstate.
‘They still have rent to pay, staff to manage, and bills to cover,’ Bridget explained of the strain Matt’s health scare is having.
However, it’s a story that has touched hearts across the Central Coast, and beyond. Friends, sports clubs, and local businesses have united to raise funds for the family too.
Bridget herself has launched ‘Caps for Coop’ baseball caps emblazoned with the letter ‘C’, which are being sold at the two sports clubs Matt once played for: Woy Woy Football Club and the Kincumber Colts Rugby League Seniors.
Complete Boxing in West Gosford is also stepping up to host a fundraiser, and today, the Kincumber Colts will dedicate a football day to supporting Matt’s recovery.
‘He’s played for two football clubs here, been involved in multiple sports, and he’s always given back to his community,’ Bridget said. ‘Now the community is giving back to him.’
‘Matt’s the first person to give his shoulder, even if he’s struggling himself,’ Bridget said.
‘Now, it’s our turn to be there for him. He’s truly one of a kind.’
