Friends launch campaign for Oli after Locked-In Syndrome diagnosis

Former Sir John Deane’s pupil and fitness fanatic, Oli Coppock, was doing pull-ups on a Costa del Sol beach just two months after surgery to remove a tumour from the base of his brain in November 2023.

The 32-year-old also had intense radiotherapy, which ‘he took in his stride’ according to close friend, Lauren Walsh, and was soon able to return to his job in digital marketing.

“It was a massively risky surgery,” Lauren added.  

“But his recovery from it was absolutely remarkable. It’s because he’s so fit and so strong.”

But in May this year, Manchester United fan Oli was back in hospital after developing hydrocephalus – fluid on the brain – not uncommon in patients who’ve had complex brain surgery.

Oli made an amazing recovery after his surgery to have the tumour removed (Image: Oli Coppock)

After being found unresponsive by nurses on May 23, Oli has since been diagnosed with Locked-In Syndrome, meaning the only part of his body he has control over are his eyes.  

His cognitive functions are normal, and he can communicate by blinking, but he is relying on a tracheostomy to support his breathing, and is being fed through a tube.

Lauren, along with Oli’s girlfriend and her best friend, Beth Wright, has now launched a GoFundMe page to help make sure he has access to the best rehabilitation available, once his condition stabilises. 

Oli moved to Orford in Warrington two years ago to set up home with Beth. 

Lauren said: “He’s the loveliest, kindest guy you could ever want to meet.

“He’s such a gentle person. He loves life so much and appreciates the little things, like being outside amongst nature.

Oli loves a party, and can always be relied upon to supply the tunes (Image: Oli Coppock)

“He’s been very poorly and he’s facing a lot of challenges. The brain is so complex it’s very hard to predict how someone will recover.

“There’s a huge range in the sorts of outcomes different people with Locked-In Syndrome can achieve.

“But one thing is for sure: his greatest chance of having the best possible future is linked to him having the best possible rehabilitation.

“There are specialist rehabilitation homes which the NHS don’t necessarily fund, which is where any money we raise will go.

“There he would have access to occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, physio, assistive technology, and all kids of activities.

Oli Coppock (right) with partner, Beth Wright (Image: Oli Coppock)

“Once he’s stable, we want to have some funds available so we can look at the best rehabilitation options available.”

Lauren said though Oli’s communication is limited, he’s still finding ways to express his unique personality.

She added: “When he was in ICU, the nurses asked him if he wanted to go outside in a wheelchair, and he was blinking like crazy. He was trying to say ‘please get me outside!’.

“But that’s him all over. If he’s out and about, he’s happy.

“Occasionally, we get a ‘shocked face’ out of him.

“He loves eating out, and one of our friends went to a restaurant in Liverpool called Caribu, which Oli loves, and he pulled a really disgruntled face because he’d gone without him.

“That doesn’t happy often, but it was wonderful to see his lovely personality shining through.”