It was supposed to be an ordinary Saturday night at home.
On July 6 this year, 37-year-old Matty ‘Matt’ Cooper was sitting on the couch with his partner Sophie, winding down from another busy week, and watching his beloved West Tigers on the big screen.
A devoted father to three young boys, all under the age of eight, and the proud owner of two thriving landscaping businesses, Matt was the picture of health.
Fit, active, and known in his Central Coast, NSW, community as the family man who would ‘drop everything to help a friend’, there was no warning for what was about to happen next.
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.
Close family friend Bridget Arahill, who has known Matt for more than 30 years, told Daily Mail that those first hours – and the days that followed – were some of the most harrowing of her life.
In her opinion, something so terrible shouldn’t have happened to such a great guy.
A devoted father to three young boys (pictured), the family hail from the Central Coast in NSW
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 so generous. He always offers anything without any expectation of return, whether it’s with his kids, the local community, or his mates,’ Bridget said.
‘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.
He was moved to the neurological ward, where he started receiving daily physiotherapy and specialist care. Then came the first small signs of hope – a squeeze of a hand, a flicker of recognition.
In an instant, one seemingly-ordinary Saturday night night turned into a nightmare and now Matt is fighting for his life. Pictured: In happier times with his partner Sophie and three sons
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
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.’
At home, Sophie has been juggling caring for their boys, keeping the family businesses afloat, and spending every possible moment at Matt’s side.
Because of his heart attack, Matt’s brain was been starved of oxygen. The damage, his family were told, could be long-lasting
Matt can now say words, follow commands, and perform tasks doctors never thought possible – at least so soon. But his family say he’s ‘not out of the woods yet’. Pictured: with his young son and Dad (right)
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 on August 24, 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.’
