Turning heartbreak into hope: The story of unwavering love in the wake of a brain injury
By Georgia Knoles
Martina Cox’s upcoming book With Hope In Your Heart tells a story of familial perseverance and unwavering love in the wake of her husband’s traumatic brain injury.
On April 24, 2018 the Cox family’s lives were turned over when Seán Cox was attacked on his way to watch his beloved Liverpool FC play against Roma.
Martina Cox’s new book cover
The unprovoked attack left Seán unable to speak or walk and his family scrambling to support him in every possible way.
The memoir covers Seán’s recovery journey since the attack, through the lens of his wife and their children.
This spring, just as the coronavirus lockdown took hold, Seán was able to return to the family home for the first time in two years.
Martina said the experience has been an “uphill battle” but Seán’s progress is steady.
“The last two years have been unimaginably difficult, but our love for Seán and determination that he gets the best care possible has kept us going,” she said.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp with Seán Cox
Seán is originally from Clondalkin but the couple and their three children are based in Dunboyne.
The support of their community at home, combined with that of the extended Liverpool FC fanbase, has been invaluable since the devastating attack.
As the Cox family and a team of carers continue to fight for Seán’s health, Liverpool fans everywhere are sending love.
When the team claimed the Premier League title for the first time in three decades, they confirmed that for the rest of the season the club would display a banner honouring Seán in the famous Kop stand.
“The book emphasises how, with the help of family, community, Liverpool and tens of thousands of people across the world who were touched by Seán’s story, we have achieved what was thought to be impossible,” Martina said. “And we are so grateful for that.”
Published by Gill Books, With Hope In Your Heart will become available October 23.
“This is a remarkable story of turning heartbreak into hope,” said Sarah Liddy, commissioning editor at Gill Books. She highlighted Martina’s strength and determination to get her husband the best possible care.
“At its heart this is a love story. The kind of love that conquers all.”
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