Sheffield personal trainer who overcame devastating brain injury shortlisted for national award

Sheffield personal trainer Jake Cooper, 31, has been shortlisted for a national Headway UK award after turning his recovery from a traumatic brain injury into work supporting other survivors. His story highlights how rehabilitation and tailored support helped him rebuild his independence and develop a career serving people with similar needs.

Cooper was 21 when a car he was travelling in crashed into a tree at 70mph in 2017. He spent seven weeks in hospital, 18 months in a wheelchair and years undergoing operations and rehabilitation; in 2024 he began retraining and qualified as a personal trainer in early 2025. Through his business, Re-Connexion, he adapts exercise and daily support to clients’ fatigue, concentration and individual needs. He is a finalist for the Alex Richardson Achiever of the Year Award, with winners due to be announced in London on 10 December 2026.