06/07/2025
💙 One Year On For My Dad, and for Every Family Fighting to Be Heard 💙
Today marks one year since I launched my website www.coopercareconsultancy.com—and fittingly, this anniversary falls on what would’ve been my dad’s birthday. Because Cooper Care Consultancy exists because of him.
My father was more than just my inspiration—he was a Desert Rat, a devoted family man, and a gifted footballer who played professionally for Middlesbrough FC. He also proudly represented the British Armed Forces Team, playing internationally—including in Paris, in a televised match before Charles De Gaulle. His pride in those moments never faded, especially the story of his wedding night hat-trick, immortalised in a newspaper clipping he kept in his wallet for the rest of his life.
But when he was diagnosed with dementia in his early 60s, we found ourselves lost in the complexity of NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC). With little guidance, it was a maze of frustration and uncertainty. As a daughter and as a Registered Mental Health Nurse, I took up the fight—not just for him, but for my entire family. And we did it. Dad was granted full CHC funding throughout his dementia journey until he passed away.
That experience became the catalyst for Cooper Care Consultancy.
In the past 12 months, I’ve been honoured to support individuals and families through the CHC process—with a particular focus on former footballers, through my work with the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA). Many of these men share a journey not unlike my father’s, and I carry their stories with me every day.
This work is personal. It’s for my dad, for families like mine, and for the many people still fighting to be heard in a system that can feel overwhelming. If you’re there now, please know—you’re not alone.
This work is personal. It’s for my dad, for families like mine, and for anyone still fighting to be heard in a system that so often feels overwhelming. If you’re there now, please know—you are not alone.
Thank you to everyone who’s placed their trust in me this past year. Here’s to continuing this mission—with heart, fairness, and fierce advocacy.
With gratitude,
Sue
Founder | Nurse Consultant | CHC Advocate