It was supposed to be an ordinary Saturday night at home. On July 6, 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 the hospital. Close family friend Bridget Arahill, who has known Matt for more than 30 years, described those first hours—and the days that followed—as some of the most harrowing of her life. ‘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.’
Unexpected Medical Crisis
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 was 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. 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.’
‘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.’
Community Support and the Road to Recovery
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. 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.
A Community Rallies
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. 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.’
The announcement comes as a reminder of the fragility of life and the power of community support. As Matt continues his challenging journey towards recovery, his story serves as a beacon of hope and resilience, illustrating how a community can come together to support one of its own in times of need.
