It was supposed to be an ordinary Sunday night at home.

On July 6, 37-year-old Matty ‘Matt’ Cooper was unwinding after a busy week, relaxing on the couch with his partner Sophie and enjoying a West Tigers game on TV.

He was a devoted father to three boys, all under eight, and the successful owner of two landscaping businesses, epitomizing good health.

Known for being fit, active, and the go-to family man in his Central Coast, NSW community, always willing to help a friend, nothing hinted at the sudden turn his life would take.

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.

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: 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.’