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HeadwayNews

Winter 2015 £2.25

‘But youdon’t lookdisabled’

t h e m a g a z i n e o f t h e b r a i n i n j u r y a s s o c i a t i o n

HeadwayNewsWinter 2015 3

Contents

How would you feel if youwere accused of being afraud or a cheat? Imagine

if you were giving everything tocompete in a sport you loved,challenging yourself to defy theeffects of your brain injury whileraising awareness of ABI, while allthe time having to defend yourselfagainst prejudice andjudgemental eyes.

International para-climber DaveBowes competes across the world,also entering non-disabled eventsin order to challenge himself. Itcomes at a cost, with competingexacerbating the effects of hisbrain injury. But with the effects ofhis brain injury hidden, Dave alsohas to cope with peoplewhispering behind his back ‘But hedoesn’t look disabled...’

HeadwayNews

Publisher’s Details

Winter 2015Published quarterly by:

Headway - the brain injury association

Bradbury House 190 Bagnall Road

Old BasfordNottingham NG6 8SF

Freephone Helpline:

0808 800 22 44Advertising: Joe Leadley

0115 947 1912information.manager

@headway.org.uk

Website: www.headway.org.ukTelephone: 0115 924 0800

DisclaimerAdvertisements in Headway News

are accepted on a commercialbasis. By publishing an

advertisement, Headway does not indicate endorsement of the

product or services provided by the advertiser.

The views expressed in articles or letters reproduced in this

magazine do not necessarilyrepresent Headway policy or the

views of Headway’s Board ofTrustees. They are primarily

intended to provide the broadestpossible views from which readers

may form their own opinions.

Headway is a charity that supports people affected by a brain injury and theircarers. We help people understand about brain injury, offer support, and run a free information helpline (0808 800 2244). We also produce a range ofpublications that explain the effects of brain injury and what can be done tohelp. You can visit our website at www.headway.org.uk.

Read more about Dave’sinspirational efforts to challengediscrimination and prove therecan be life after brain injury onpages 14 and 15.

Elsewhere in this edition, wepreview this year’s HeadwayAnnual Awards, launch our newwebsite, and bring you a bunch ofgreat news stories from acrossthe Headway network.

Finally, we wish all our readers a merry Christmas and a happy New Year!The Communications Team

Headway relies solely on voluntarycontributions to fund its work.

To make a donation please contact the fundraising team on

0115 924 0800or make a donation online at

www.headway.org.uk/ donate.aspx

News ........................................................................................... 4

My Story: Oliver Game ........................................................... 9

Eye on...The Lewis Moody Foundation ............................. 11

FAQs ........................................................................................ 12

My Story: Dave Bowes ......................................................... 14

Headway Annual Awards 2015 ......................................... 16

Fundraising News ................................................................. 18

News from across the UK ................................................... 22

Dates for your Diary .............................................................. 31

Welcome... Cover image:Dave Bowes

shares his story

4

News

HeadwayNews Winter 2015

Headway launches new ‘modern

For more than 15 years, theHeadway website hasbeen an invaluable source

of information and support forpeople affected by brain injury.And now, that support has beenstrengthened further with thelaunch of a new modern, mobile-friendly website to suit thechanging habits of internet users.

The new Headway website waslaunched at the end of Octoberfollowing months of hard work toprepare not only the bright andwelcoming new design of the site,but also to create a new resourcecentre to enable the charity tobetter support its network ofgroups and branches.

The project was led by AndrewTaylor, Website and Social MediaManager at Headway, who said:“We know that the Headwaywebsite is the first point of contactmany people will have had withthe charity – and may well be thefirst time they have found anysupport or information to helpthem adapt to life after brain injury.

“We’ve always worked hard toprovide as much high-qualityinformation as we can to thoseaffected by brain injury and we’reproud of our successes, particularlythe Highly Commended status theBritish Medical Associationbestowed on the site in 2011.

“But internet browsing habits arechanging and it is vital that wekept pace with that change inorder to make our information asaccessible as possible.

“The Headway website has seena significant growth in demandover the past few years. Visits tothe site rose by an impressive196% from 2010 to 2015.However, a large part of thatgrowth is driven by visits fromsmartphones and tablets.

“The increase in visitors usingsmartphones and tablets iscontinuing, with over a third of ourvisitors now using a mobile device.

“To meet this demand, the newwebsite is optimised for touch-

screen devices as well as traditionalcomputers. It is also designed withaccessibility in mind, helping peopleto access our information using arange of methods.

“We’re very proud of the freshnew look of the site and the factthat our information is now moreaccessible than ever to a newgeneration of internet users.”

MultimediaA priority for the developmentteam was to increase the range ofmultimedia content on the site.

“The passion and determination ofbrain injury survivors, carers andfamily members to share theirexperiences of brain injury in orderto help others has always inspiredthose of us who work or volunteerat the charity,” said Andrew.

“We wanted to ensure our newwebsite provided moreopportunities for their voices tobe heard. We are now more ableto feature video testimonies inaddition to the more traditionalwritten format, while we can alsoshare more television and radionews items featuring the charity.”

The site also includes televisionnews clips and features aboutThe new homepage

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News

HeadwayNewsWinter 2015

and mobile’ website

“We are delighted with the newlook and feel of the site. It is farmore accessible to people usinga variety of devices and will resultin a greater number of peoplefinding the information and helpthat they need – either directlyfrom the site or from localsupport services.

brain injury, as well as messages of support for thecharity’s campaigns from high-profile people such as formerEngland Rugby Union captain,Lewis Moody.

Local supportFinding local support services isalso easier now, thanks to a newfeature on the homepage. Onentering your postcode, a map willdisplay groups and branches andcharity shops – complete withcontact details and links for furtherinformation – in your vicinity.

Users can also choose to displayother useful services in their area,including Headway-approved careproviders and solicitors.

Resource centreA significant amount ofdevelopment work has also gone into preparing a new-and-improved resource centre tosupport Headway groups and branches.

Sitting in a secure area of thesite, the resource centre enablesHeadway to more effectivelycommunicate with its networkacross the UK, ensuring groupsand branches have access to keydocuments and information thatcan assist them in providing localsupport.

“This is a major development forthe charity and one that will helpus to support more peopleaffected by brain injury,” said Luke Griggs, Director ofCommunications at Headway. The ‘My story’ section of the new site

“A great deal of work has goneinto this project and I would like to thank all those whocontributed, particularly Andrew for his hard work anddedication to the creation ofwhat we feel is a fabulous newsite fit for the modern age. We hope you agree!”

● Visit www.headway.org.uk to see the new site for yourself!

The innovative project is being runin association with Help forHeroes. The military charity isproviding significant support,ranging from enabling the groupto use its bespoke meeting andphysiotherapy facilities at thePhoenix House centre inCatterick, through to referringpeople to the group.

In 2012, Rob Cromey-Hawke, 31,had been on a tour of Afghanistanwhen the service vehicle in whichhe was travelling drove over anexplosive device. The incident leftRob with a severe spinal cordinjury, hearing loss and atraumatic brain injury. His braininjury causes him to suffer fromongoing memory problems,persistent dizziness and an acutesensitivity to light.

Not knowing where to turn forsupport, Rob was introduced toHeadway’s Alastair White whoinvited him to join the steeringgroup for the new branch.

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News


New group to reach out to ‘vets suffering in silence’

Anew Headway branch tosupport armed forcespersonnel and veterans

affected by brain injury hasbeen launched in Catterick,North Yorkshire.

The Headway Forces SupportGroup is the first group of its kind inthe country. Led by former ArmyCaptain and brain injury survivorRob Cromey-Hawke, who is theActing Chairman of the new branch,it will deliver a range of supportservices to brain injured forcespersonnel and veterans and theirfamilies across North Yorkshire andthe North East of England.

The new branch will initially runmonthly peer support meetingsthat will aim to break downstigma surrounding servicepersonnel asking for civilian helpand support by providing a safespace for people to share theirexperiences with others frommilitary backgrounds.

“Once you have been medicallydischarged, you are on your own,”said Rob, who lives near Skipton,North Yorkshire, with his partnerKaren and their two children,Connor and Charlie.

“The idea behind the HeadwayForces Support Group is thatanyone who has served in theArmed Forces gets the help theyneed – whether their acquiredbrain injury is a result of anincident while serving or not. Wewant to facilitate a smoothtransition of care from what wasprovided before medical dischargeto that available afterwards.

“Too many vets are suffering insilence, and we want to changethat.”

Future plans for the Headwaybranch include an educationprogramme designed not only formilitary families affected by braininjury, but for the military chain ofcommand, the NHS, and medicalspecialists to help everyoneunderstand what support isavailable and areas forimprovement.

An online community forum thatwill enable military personnel fromaround the country to accesssupport and engage with thegroup’s discussion on issuesrelating to brain injury is also beingconsidered. It is hoped that theHeadway Forces Support Groupwill serve as a template for thecreation of other similar branchesaround the country.

Left to right: Alastair White with committee members Warren Maxwell, AlanPurdy, Rob Cromey-Hawke, Laura Gabbey-Cristofini and Johnny McConville

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News


The After a Brain Injury resourceis a comprehensive handbook forbrain injury survivors and theircarers and covers the Bradfordarea. It contains local informationon each stage of the brain injurypathway, from hospital admissionand treatment, to ongoingcommunity-based support.

Headway’s Director ofCommunications, Luke Griggs,said: “We are immensely proudthat our information, which isproduced by a small team ofdedicated staff, has beenhonoured yet again by the BMA.

“It is a huge achievement forHeadway to have collected 20such awards in the past sevenyears against strong entries fromcharities and patient groups

Headway has received anearly Christmas presentwith news that the

charity’s publications havereceived glowing praise from theBritish Medical Association(BMA) in its annual PatientInformation Awards programme.

For a remarkable seventh yearrunning, Headway information hasbeen recognised for its high-quality and accessible content,with two honours received at thisyear’s ceremony.

The factsheet Making a complaintabout health and social careservices received a HighlyCommended award, while After aBrain Injury: An InformationResource for Families and Carerswas Commended by the judges.

BMA-zing run of awards continues

Capacity crowd for inaugural deputies’ conference

across the UK that possess much greater resources.”

● To download a copy of Makinga complaint about health and social care services orother useful factsheets, visitwww.headway.org.uk/about-brain-injury/individuals/factsheets

Other talks included a discussionon mutual dependence andgratuitous care by Senior JudgeDenzil Lush, advice on running asuccessful deputyship by JuliaLomas from Irwin Mitchell, andguidance regarding questions toask a financial adviser presentedby Jenny Stone from NestorFinancial Group Ltd.

Special thanks to the Office ofthe Public Guardian, andsponsors Concerva Limited andJane Lewis Health and SocialCare for making the eventpossible.

Aone-day conference toprovide guidance to theincreasing number of

professional deputies working tosupport brain injury survivors hasbeen hailed a success by delegatesthat attended the Headway event inManchester in October.

Held in Partnership with theOffice of the Public Guardian(OPG), the first Headway DeputyConference included a talk fromOPG Chief Executive, AlanEccles, which incorporatedinformation on recentdevelopments within the OPG.

● If you require informationregarding professional or laydeputyship, Headway’s award-winning publication Supportingpeople to make decisions –applying the Mental CapacityAct is available to purchasefrom our online shop or bycalling 0115 924 0800.

8

News


Sparkling Fizz leaves guests in WonderLAN

Eighties chart-toppersBucks Fizz, a ‘topsy turvydinner’, and a host of high-

flying acrobats ensured guests ata Headway charity ball were left inWonderLAN in November.

The Alice In Wonderland-themedWonderLAN Ball was held toraise funds for next year’s LookAhead in the North event,otherwise known as LAN.

The spectacular event was held atNewcastle’s Discovery Museum,with Eurovision favourites BucksFizz stealing the show.

The band was involved in aserious collision in 1984 followingan appearance at Newcastle CityHall, which left band memberMike Nolan with a brain injury.More than 30 years later, three ofthe four original members of theband – Mike, Cheryl Baker andJay Aston – returned to the citywith special guest Bobby McVay

to treat guests at the ball to alltheir hits from yesteryear.

“It was an incredible night,” saidAlastair White, Network SupportManager at Headway. “Themuseum looked spectacular, withpeople dressed up as thecharacters from Alice InWonderland. There was even aCheshire cat performing tricks ona high wire above the dance floor.

“Bucks Fizz was the perfect bandto keep us entertained, particularlythose of us old enough toremember the hits the first timearound! Mike’s personal experienceof brain injury also gave specialmeaning to the performance.

“We’re thrilled to have raisedmore than £3,500, which will go towards next year’s LANweekend. Huge thanks to allthose who made this possible,including EMG Solicitors forsponsoring the event and toSorted PR for organising thisfabulously entertaining andsuccessful night.”

Held at the Calvert Trust inclusiveoutdoor activity centre in Kielder,

Northumberland, LAN is a uniqueopportunity to bring togetherindividuals and families affectedby brain injury for a weekend offun, sharing and challengingoutdoor pursuits.

Emma Gaudern, a professionaldeputy who works for thespecialist brain injury team at theDurham law firm, said: “The LANevent is an amazing opportunityfor members of Headway in theNorth East to meet up, socialiseand have fun.

“Attendees come back from theweekend away with confidenceand a new group of friends whounderstand the challenges theyface. It can be a life-changingexperience.

“It is a weekend that is soimportant, but it can’t take placewithout funding so we weredetermined to do our best to raiseas much money as we could tosupport this important initiative.

“We’re delighted with the way theevening went and we are alreadylooking forward to next year’sLAN weekend.”All smiles from the Cheshire Cat!

Cheryl Baker and her colleagues ensured the ball had plenty of fizz!

Winter 2015 9

My Story

HeadwayNews

‘I can’t remember seven or eight years of my life’

have never given up on myrecovery.

“While I was in hospital, my Mumwas told about Headway Essex. I started going along to thegroup’s support sessions inColchester shortly after returninghome.

“I have now attended the centrefor three years and it has playedsuch a big role in myrehabilitation. They helped me tostrengthen my body’s right-handside, develop my computer skills,and improve my co-ordination,which had been significantlyaffected by my brain injury.

“The charity is largely responsiblefor helping me get to this point in my recovery. Headway bringspeople together and makeseveryone feel they belong.

“I still struggle with memoryproblems and I have lost mysense of smell and most of mysense of taste. My language skillsare often still a problem and I have to think before I speak tomake sure the words come outproperly. Finding the correctwords can be frustrating at times.

“However, my employers weregreat holding a job open for meand I have now returned toworking at the zoo four morningsa week – this time as a painter.

“When I was finally able to get outof my wheelchair, I was determinedto live life to the full and that iswhat I will continue to do.

“I can’t imagine what my lifewould be like today if my parentsand Headway Essex hadn’t beenthere for me.”

“The day that changedmy life started as just anormal day,” said

Oliver. “I set off to work as part ofthe maintenance team atColchester Zoo in Essex, puttingon my helmet before mounting mymotorcycle as usual.

“But then came the collision,which left me with major internalinjuries and a severe brain injury.”

Oliver was rushed to ColchesterGeneral Hospital where he spentthree weeks in a coma beforebeing transferred to a generalhospital ward for a further fivemonths. He then spent the nextsix months in a brain injuryrehabilitation unit.

“I couldn’t talk or walk in the earlystages of my recovery,” saidOliver. “My memory was alsoaffected. I was left with severepost-traumatic retrogradeamnesia, meaning I couldn’tremember the past seven or eightyears of my life. It’s difficult todescribe how odd it was to be20 years old and feel as though Ihad lost more than a quarter ofmy childhood in an instant.

“Mum and Dad were fantastic.They visited me every day while I was in hospital and they’vealways been there for me. I knowmy accident and brain injury hasbeen the worst thing that hasever happened to them but they

Oliver Game, 27, from Thorpe-le-Soken in Essex, was just 20 years old when a motorcycle accidentleft him with near-fatal head injuries.

Oliver working as a painter at Colchester Zoo

10 HeadwayNews Winter 2015

11

Eye On...


Eye on...The Lewis Moody Foundation

“I learned from meeting Joss thatwhen a child is seriously ill,anything that lifts a family out oftheir daily routine and allows themto spend time together, doingsomething special, can have alasting impact,” said Lewis.

The Lewis Moody Foundation wasestablished with two mainobjectives. The first is for ‘now’,when a child or parent isdiagnosed with a life-threateningillness, the impact on the family ishuge and often life is put on hold.

The foundation supports familiesthat are dealing with these life-altering daily routines of medicine,hospital visits and the constantworry this generates. It providesthem with a day out of theordinary to lift them and createspecial memories that will have along-lasting effect.

The second aspect is the ‘future’.The foundation works closely withThe Brain Tumour Charity, raisingfunds for the charity’s research

In March 2012, a shoulderinjury forced Lewis to retire.Gutted at no longer being able

to play the sport he loved, Lewisthen received a letter from thefather of a young man called Josswho himself could no longer playrugby as he was fighting cancer.

At Joss’s father’s request, Lewistravelled up to Sheffield RFC tomeet Joss and take a trainingsession for his team.

“Here was a young man, 15 yearsold, fighting cancer and yet hewas doing it with so muchcourage and with complete andutter selflessness,” said Lewis.

“He graciously watched his teammates play rugby, genuinelydelighted for them, when all hewanted to do was join in.”

The impact Joss made on Lewiswas massive. Lewis stayed incontact with Joss and his family.The following April, Lewis tookJoss and his family to Twickenhamto watch England vs Italy. Hewatched the game and met all hisrugby heroes post match.

For Lewis, this was the norm. ForJoss and his family, it was a daynever to forget. Joss lost his bravebattle with cancer two weeks later.

Inspired by Joss Rowley Starkand the experience Lewis hadwith his family, Lewis and his wifeAnnie wanted to help other youngfamilies.

Many sports fans across the country will remember Lewis Moody MBE as the tough-tackling former EnglandRugby Union captain who gained the nickname ‘Mad Dog’ due to his fearless and uncompromising style.Now retired, Lewis is putting his efforts and sporting connections to use in an altogether different way...

projects, in particular thechildhood early diagnosiscampaign HeadSmart.

“An estimated 20,000 childrenand young people in the UK areliving with a life-threateningcondition,” said Lewis. “With braintumours being the biggest cancerkiller of children and adults under40, it is paramount to us that ourfoundation grows, so that we canhelp and impact as many familiesas possible.

“Together we’re tackling illnessand fulfilling dreams.”

● For further information on TheLewis Moody Foundation, visitwww.thelewismoodyfoundation.org

Lewis meets Joss Rowley Stark, who inspired him to launch his foundation

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Frequently Asked Questions


Headway helpline: Frequently Asked Questions

In 2014, the Headway helplineanswered 8,500 enquiries – the

highest figure recorded in thehistory of the service and an

incredible 60% increase indemand since 2010.

Approximately 70% of theenquiries we answer on the

helpline are from people that aredirectly affected by brain injury –survivors, families and carers; the

remainder are enquiries fromprofessionals such as doctors,

nurses, rehabilitation teams and solicitors.

Q) I have been invited to severalChristmas parties wherepeople will be drinkingalcohol. What is a safeamount for me to drink orshould I abstain completelybecause of my brain injury?

A) It is easy for people to drinktoo much at Christmas, but it isimportant to be aware that a braininjury can make you less tolerantof alcohol.

Alcohol can amplify the existingeffects of a brain injury. It can alsomake you more susceptible tosustaining new injuries as it canaffect your ability to makedecisions, make you more

impulsive, can affect yourbalance, and it can also make itharder to control your emotions.

If you are taking medication, as ageneral rule you should avoidalcohol. It is advisable to checkwith your GP or pharmacist asalcohol can prevent medicationsfrom working effectively. Forinstance, if you are taking anti-epileptic medication the risk ofexperiencing a seizure willincrease if you drink alcohol.

There are plenty of ways to enjoythe social interaction of Christmasparties while staying in control ofyour alcohol consumption. If youdo decide to drink, alternatingalcoholic drinks with non-alcoholicalternatives is important, as isensuring you consume plenty ofwater. You can even suggest thehost provides some non-alcoholicpunch or ‘mocktails’.

Q) I had a subarachnoidhaemorrhage four months ago.I still feel really tired and can’tmanage basic things like Iused to. Is this normal andhow long will this last?

A) Many people with a brain injuryexperience feelings of extremetiredness or fatigue. Fatigue is tobe expected when recoveringfrom surgery or a sudden eventlike a brain injury or subarachnoidhaemorrhage. It takes extraenergy to perform everyday tasksas your body and brain areworking hard to compensate foryour injury.

With the busy and demandingChristmas season fastapproaching, it is important to payattention to what triggers your

Headway’s confidential helpline is available from 9am to5pm, Monday to Friday. Calls are free from landlines and

most mobile networks. Email enquiries to:[email protected]

0808 800 2244

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Frequently Asked Questions


fatigue and learn to identify theearly signs such as tingling inyour hands, losing concentrationor becoming distracted. It isimportant to allow for rest periodsat regular intervals during the day,and not to feel that everything hasto be done at once.

Remember that three hours ofgood participation is better thanfive hours followed by completeexhaustion. It is very difficult tosay how long the bouts of fatiguewill last as everyone’s experienceis different, but with amanagement plan you may beable to lessen the effects.

● The Headway bookletManaging fatigue after braininjury contains more informationand tips for coping with fatigue.

Q) How can I make Christmasless stressful and moreenjoyable for me after my braininjury? Last year I did notmanage things very well, Iforgot things and this causedlots of problems and upset.

A) The holiday season can bechallenging for people with aneurological condition, and eventhose who usually manage theirbrain injury well may find thatchanges to their routine can causestress. This can impact on you in anumber of ways, includingincreased fatigue, memoryproblems, stress and anxiety.

It is easy to try and do too muchtoo quickly, or to commit yourselfto too many things. Pace yourselfas you usually would, and taketime for a rest, nap or just a quietfive minutes. You need to re-charge your batteries so

remember, moderation could helpenable you to manage all thedemands that the holiday seasoncan bring.

Tips for organising:● Write lists, notes and keep a

diary of important dates.● Use online, mail order or

telephone ordering for presentsand shopping to avoid busyand crowded shops.

● Buy non-perishable foods priorto the Christmas rush.

● If you are having family orfriends over for a celebrationmeal, get everyone to bringsomething with them. Just makesure you have a sweet/savourylist so that there is a good mixfor everyone.

If you have travel plans over theChristmas and New Year period,here are some useful things toremember:● Car travel: Check the weather

before you leave and carry outany vehicle checks such astopping-up your screenwash,tyre pressures and water. Carrya blanket and take a flask forlong journeys. Always makesure your mobile phone is fullycharged and plan your routewith regular stops asnecessary.

● Bus/train travel: CheckNational Rail Enquiries/NationalExpress or any other operator,to make you aware of anycancellations or delays. Alsoensure you make a seatreservation that suits yourneeds, such as requesting aseat in the quiet carriage ornear a toilet if travelling by train.

It is also important to check whatmedical services might be available

to you at your destination, such asGP services or walk-in centres.Check you have enoughmedication to last you until after theChristmas and New Year periodand get repeat prescriptions inearly so that you are not rushingaround up until Christmas Eve.

Many local newspapers publishlists of pharmacies and otherservices that are open over thefestive period. NHS 111 and theNHS Choices website can alsogive you these details along withother services.

If you need more immediateadvice or attention with a medicalissue:● NHS 111 (England and

Wales): 111● NHS 24 (Scotland):

08454 24 24 24● Your GP surgery should have

an out-of-hours message onits usual number. This will giveyou details of who to contactif necessary over theChristmas period.

● If you need emotional supportor just someone to talk to theSamaritans provides a 24-hourservice on 116 123.

From all on the Headway helpline,we wish you a merry Christmasand a very happy New Year!

14

My Story

Winter 2015HeadwayNews

‘But you don’t lookas my brother was convinced Iwas dead when he saw me lyingmotionless on the ground.

“I was rushed to hospital but, as Iwas conscious, could stand upand ultimately looked ‘fine’, I wasdischarged after two hours withno promise of follow-up care.

“When my wife Sheema took mehome, my body was twitchinguncontrollably and my voice wasshaking but we put it down toshock. However, I began to strugglewith horrific pain and extremeconfusion over the weekend.

“Sheema drove me to a doctoron the Monday but I collapsed onher in the waiting room. By thetime I was seen by a doctor myspeech was so slurred I literallycouldn’t talk.”

Shockingly, Dave’s condition wasdismissed as a mild concussion

but, not content with thisdiagnosis, the couple returned to the doctors every week forseveral months until their GPfinally agreed to send Dave for a more thorough examination.

“Several months later, Dave wassent to a neuro-psychiatrist wherehe was put on heavy medicationfor two years before finally beingexamined by a brain injuryclinician in London. It was notuntil four-and-a-half years after the accident that Dave wasdiagnosed with Persistent PostConcussion Syndrome andtraumatic brain injury in severalareas of his brain.

“We were always convincedsomething wasn’t right and that adiagnosis of mild concussionsimply didn’t fit with my ongoingproblems,” said Dave. “Havingbeen discharged with no scan justtwo hours after arriving at hospital,after such a serious collision, andhaving to fight to get a full andproper assessment, I worry thatmany others are slipping throughthe net and not getting thediagnosis or help they need.

“It was entirely down to me toresearch what was happening tome and for a long time thedoctors refused to believeanything serious was going on.

“I didn’t know about Headwayuntil five years after my crash. In the end, I developed my ownrecovery plan and copingmechanisms, some of which I stilluse today and have passed on to

“As a para-climber I often hearthe phrase: ‘He shouldn’t behere – he doesn’t look disabled.’Having a hidden disability canbe very frustrating indeed.”

When World Cup para-climber Dave Bowes,from Wirral, sustained a

traumatic brain injury in a motorbikeaccident in 2007, he began toexperience severe behaviouralchanges and other hidden effectsthat cost him his career andchallenged his marriage.

Dave had been travelling toBrighton by motorbike with histwo brothers when a car pulledout of a junction without looking.

“My head hit the side of the car at40mph,” said Dave. “The impactleft me with a life-changing braininjury. I think I can remember mostof the incident but I must havelost consciousness at one point

Dave competes against non-disabled opponents in ice climbing

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My Story


disabled’others now I am a member ofHeadway Wirral.

“This needs to be changed andthat is why I choose to competeas an international para-climber. I figured competitive sport wasthe tallest soap box I could standon to spread the word.

‘The old Dave died’

“After the accident, my entirepersonality changed. The oldDave died that day and a newDave was born.

“Sheema and I had been marriedfor just three months at the timeof the incident and I becameuncharacteristically aggressive.My mood swings put enormouspressure on our marriage. Theeffects of my brain injury havebeen unbelievably tough onSheema, but she has taken ourvow of ‘in sickness and in health’very seriously.”

Eight years on from Dave’s ordeal,the couple have two children,Vinnie, four, and Maya, one.

“We still have relationship-testingtimes but I want to be a father mychildren can look up to by raisingawareness of brain injury andHeadway internationally,” said Dave.

This year, Dave entered the Para-Climbing World Cup for thesecond time and won the silvermedal in the EuropeanChampionships. In February, Dave even tried his hand at ice-climbing, competing against non-disabled opponents. He did

incredibly well to finish thirdamong the British competitors,ranking 48th worldwide.

“The invisible consequences ofmy brain injury mean I receivemuch criticism for competing as apara-climber,” said Dave. “I oftenhear the phrase: ‘He shouldn’t behere – he doesn’t look disabled.’

“When people look at acompetitor with one arm or oneleg, it’s easy to understand theextent of that person’s disability.

“However, when people look atme with my neatly-cut hair and‘normal’ appearance, it’s difficult

for them to comprehend just howdebilitating a brain injury can be.

“I even grew a mo-hawk and abeard in the hope that a new andmore extreme image might helppeople understand how different I feel from everyone else. Ahidden disability indeed.”

● You can follow Dave’s progressas he competes in World Cupcompetitions to raiseawareness of Headway byfollowing him on Twitter andInstagram @Bowesdave

Dave scoops the silver medal in the Para-climbing World Cup

16

Headway Annual Awards 2015


challenges forcing him toabandon his dream of becoming a Chemical Engineer. Undeterred,Jeff refocused and adapted to hisbrain injury and is workingtowards a degree in computing.He also provides a brain injurysurvivor’s perspective in his roleas a trustee of Headway Cardiff.

● Steven LomasSteven has battled back from asevere brain injury as a result of a2004 car accident that left him in acoma for six weeks. Overcomingissues including fatigue anddifficulties controlling his emotions,Steven has shown incredibledetermination to gradually rebuildhis life and he now lives with hiswife Joanne. This year, he achieveda First Class (BSc Honours)degree in Professional Broadcastafter turning the camera on himselfto raise awareness of traumaticbrain injury and thank HeadwayStockport and South Manchesterfor supporting him with his video,Re-Cognition.

Carer of the Year

● Charlie KorvingWhen Charlie’s husband Jake wasknocked off his bike in October2011, he sustained a brain injury

that caused him to forget Charlie’sname, the couple’s relationship,and their wedding day. Charliestayed strong and fought hard toensure Jake received the bestpossible care throughout a longand challenging journey torecovery. With support fromHeadway Dorset, she put her lifeand dream job on hold to providethe 24-hour care Jake needed.Three years later, the couplerenewed their vows in a ceremonyin New York.

● Kathryn EdgingtonEver since Marie Marsdensustained a brain injury after aroad traffic collision in 2014,friend Kathryn has been an ever-present source of support. Whilejuggling her own family and workcommitments, nothing is toomuch trouble for Kathryn when itcomes to helping her friend. Withsupport from Headway SouthStaffordshire, she providespractical and emotional support toMarie and her husband Brian.

● Molly VealeIn 2005 Molly’s partner, Warren,was involved in a near-fatalmotorbike accident. Sheimmediately quit her universitycourse and condensed a 40-hourworking week into three days sothat she could be by his hospital

Courageous finalists prepare With this year’s HeadwayAnnual Awards luncheon fastapproaching, we meet theinspirational finalists who will berecognised and thanked at theceremony on 11 December.

Alex Richardson Achiever of the Year

● Jamie MckechnieWhen Jamie sustained a near-fatalbrain injury in an unprovoked ‘onepunch’ assault in 2011, the BMX-bike fanatic had two goals: to oneday get back on his bike and towalk unaided down the aisle tomarry his finance, Ellen. With theongoing support of HeadwaySouth East London North WestKent, Jamie successfully achievedboth life targets. Jamie is nowdeveloping a community bikebusiness that offers trainingopportunities to help youngpeople overcome adversity anddevelop their careers.

● Jeff MayleJeff was just 17 years old when askateboarding accident in 1992left him in a coma with a traumaticbrain injury. From achieving topgrades in A-level Maths andChemistry prior to his injury, Jeffwas forced to start from scratch,with cognitive and physical

Sponsored by Slater and Gordon Lawyers

Jamie McKechnie with wife Ellen

Jeff Mayle with parentsWendy and Peter

Steven Lomas fromHeadway Stockport andSouth Manchester

Sponsored byWithy King

Charlie and Jake’ssecond wedding inNew York

Caring KathrynEdgington with herfriend Marie Marsden

Molly and Warren Veale

17

Headway Annual Awards 2015


meetings, quizzes and workshopswith a kind-hearted spirit andsense of humour.

● Peter ShawAfter Peter’s son Neal sustained abrain injury in a road traffic accidentin 1999, Peter became a keymember – and eventually Chair –of Headway in Chesterfield. Thanksto Peter’s sterling work spendingcountless hours organisingfundraising events, supportingmembers and campaigning forbetter local services, the branchdeveloped into Headway NorthDerbyshire in 2007 with Peter stillgiving his time and energy as Chairof the group.

● Robert WilsonOver the past two decades, Roberthas raised more than £40,000 forHeadway Oxfordshire by tacklingextreme challenges across theworld, inspired by his friend andbrain injury survivor, Chris. Roberthas taken on numerous challenges,including skiing 100 miles to theSouth Pole, completing threemarathons, and cycling fromGeneva to Nice. Robert alsodelivers brain injury talks in schoolsand even plays the Dame in thecharity’s annual pantomime!

Congratulations to all of ourwonderful finalists!

bedside as much as possible. Thisinvolved travelling from their homein the north west to London wherefor three nights a week – for eightyears – she slept in her car inorder to be near to Warren. Mollyhelped her now-husband relearnhow to walk and talk and evencomplete two charity triathlonswith support from HeadwayLancaster and Morecambe Bay.

Volunteer of the Year

● Gill LeandroWhen Gill retired in 2002, shebegan volunteering at HeadwayWest Kent, providing one-to-onemaths support sessions as part ofmembers’ rehabilitationprogrammes. She soon became aregular volunteer at the local group,and for 13 years has been hostingfive-course meals for members,offering her home for weeklywoodwork sessions, providing a‘buddy service’ to members andraising money for the charity.

● Humphry AdairConsultant surgeon Humphry hasbeen involved with HeadwaySuffolk since the group’sinception in 1982. A devotedboard member, Humphry hasspent the past 30 years juggling a

to take to the stagesuccessful medical and lecturingcareer while supporting HeadwaySuffolk to develop its services,even running weekly woodworksessions for members.

● Jean Martin SavageJean has played a pivotal role inthe development of HeadwayDarlington and District sincejoining the steering group in2012. Utilising more than 25years of experience of helpingpeople with rehabilitation afterbrain injury, Jean has managedthe local group’s helpline service,organised training courses anddelivered support sessions tomembers and their families.

Stephen McAleeseOutstanding Contributionto Headway Award

● Jim IsaacIn 1995, Jim became a foundingmember of Headway NorthDevon. Two decades later, Jimdefies his own daily pain followinga spinal cord injury to continuedelivering weekly support servicesto people affected by brain injury.He is described as the ‘backbone’of the local group for the way heorganises and runs HeadwayNorth Devon’s various support

Sponsored by AnthonyGold Solicitors

Host for Headway:Volunteer Richard Wittswith Steve Beavis andGill Leandro

Humphry helping aHeadway Suffolkservice user

Jean Martin Savagehelps HeadwayDarlington and Districtmembers train usingadapted bikes

Sponsored by No 5 Chambers

Jim Isaac fromHeadway North Devon

Peter Shaw hosts afundraiser with sonNeal and HeadwayNorth Derbyshirevolunteers

Warm heart: RobertWilson tackles sub-zerotemperatures skiing tothe South Pole

18

Fundraising News


It’s Great up North!

Reece had been enjoying asummer holiday with friends whenthey got into difficulty while out atsea. He sustained a fatal braininjury, passing away peacefully inhospital four days after theaccident, having never regainedconsciousness.

Since his passing, Reece’s familyhas completed a series offundraising challenges tocollectively raise almost £10,000to help Headway support otherfamilies similarly affected.

Kerrie even managed to persuadeher friend Natalee Gunn to join herin completing the Great North Run.

“Reece was larger than life itselfand always made people smile asa loveable rogue,” said Kerrie.“Ten minutes is all it took tochange our lives forever. It reallycould happen to anyone.

“Headway does amazing work. I have no doubt the charity wouldhave helped us had Reecesurvived. If I can help them to help

another family like ours to smileand to get through the pain thenthat is what I will do.”

Rachel Broughton, FundraisingManager at Headway, was amongthe charity’s supporters at theHeadway cheering station on thestriking Tyne Bridge.

“It was a privilege to cheer on ourincredible fundraisers to thefinish-line,” said Rachel.

“Each of our runners had theirown personal reason forsupporting Headway and woretheir Headway vests with anotable sense of pride.Completing the course was clearlya proud and moving moment foreveryone who took part.”

● Would you like to take part in a charity run on behalf ofHeadway? If so, contact Ellis at [email protected] more information about howto get involved.

The tenacious fundraiserswere among the 57,000runners to pound the iconic

half-marathon route fromGateshead to South Shields.Together, Team Headway raisedan impressive total of £18,000 tosupport brain injury survivors andtheir families across the UK.

For Alex O’Donnell, wearing theHeadway t-shirt meant supportinghis dad who suffered asubarachnoid brain haemorrhageand was left with a devastatingbrain injury when Alex was ayoung child. The impact affectedthe lives of Alex’s entire family ashis mother juggled raising twoyoung boys with becoming herhusband’s full-time carer.

“The impact my dad’s brain injuryhad upon my family was huge,”said Alex, who has so far raised£625 for Headway.

“Life was especially difficult formy Mum as she provided 24-hourcare for my dad, alongside raisingme and my older brother throughour teenage years. It is soimportant to raise awareness ofthe effects serious brain injury canhave upon families. They do sayevery little helps!”

Headway Hero Kerrie Cookdecided to run for the charity inmemory of her son Reece whotragically passed away of a braininjury on 29 July, just ten daysafter his 16th birthday.

On Sunday 13 September, the sun beamed down upon 36 Headway Heroes as they took to thestreets of Newcastle for the 35th Great North Run.

Alex O’Donnell (centre) gives theHeadway cheering station a wave

Side by side: Natalee Gunn and KerrieCook smile through the pain

19

Fundraising News


The Headway retail team iscelebrating the launch of itslatest charity shop in the

North West of England.

Local supporters, shoppers, andstock donors came together toenjoy refreshments in October asshop manager Denise Marshofficially opened the charity’slatest shop at The Cross in Lymm,near Warrington.

Carol Tennet, Head of Retail atHeadway, said: “Every new shopwe open is exciting as it meanswe are reaching out to morefamilies in need of our support,while raising the charity’s profileon the high street and makingmore people aware of brain injury.

Creative students at acollege in Alsager donnedtheir wackiest costumes

for a charity walk to raise fundsfor Headway.

Alsager Sixth Form Collegestudents dressed up in their mosteccentric outfits for a trek aroundthe local area, raising £1,000 forthe charity.

With many of the students alreadyvolunteering in Headway’s shop inthe town, the charity was thenatural choice for the altruisticacademics.

Michelle Clare, Manager of theHeadway shop in Alsager, said:

Shop Manager Denise Marsh cuts the ribbon

Young volunteers put brain injury on the curriculum

“I would like to thank everyonewho has helped make our newshop a reality, including law firmHugh James, which providedinvaluable assistance withcompleting the lease.

“We are really excited about theLymm shop and we’re sure it willbe a huge success. However, tomake it so we need the supportof the local community.

“So, if you live in the area,whether you are a brain injurysurvivor or simply want to help agood cause in your spare time,come down, say hello and see ifyou can help us improve life afterbrain injury.”

Students at Alsager Sixth Form College get creative for the cause

UnLymmited smiles as new shop opens

“We would like to say anenormous thank you to thestudents and staff at AlsagerSixth Form College for theirincredible efforts to raise fundsand awareness of the workHeadway does to support families affected by brain injury.

“It is so important to educateyoung people about the complexand varied impact brain injury canhave upon entire families. It isfantastic to see students findingcreative ways of generatingawareness of this widespread and serious issue.”

● Anyone wishing to volunteer is welcome to visit the newHeadway shop at 21 TheCross, Lymm, WA13 OGA orcontact Shop Manager DeniseMarsh on 01925 755670.

20

Fundraising News


Peckish staff at Headway’scharity shop in Poyntonwere delighted when their

entry into a local radiocompetition resulted in a freebuffet being delivered straight totheir doorstep.

But winning the weekly prize onCheshire radio station Silk FM wasjust one of three recent reasons forthe team to celebrate, with theshop enjoying its first birthday andManager Sue Watkins beingnamed the 2015 PoyntonEmployee of the Year!

Unbeknown to Sue, several of herloyal customers had nominatedher for the award to thank her foralways delivering top-qualityservice with a smile.

Sue was presented with a trophyand £75 of shopping vouchers atthe Poynton In Business AnnualDinner on 20 November.

"I had no idea the customers hadnominated me and I feel veryhonoured to be recognised asEmployee of the Year," said Sue.

"The work of our Headway teamgoes a long way to helpingrebuild the lives of families

Radio Won!

affected by brain injury and thishas been a fantastic opportunityto raise awareness of the charity'swork and presence in thecommunity."

But that wasn't the only prize tocome the shop's way. Sueentered her team into the‘Wednesday Workers’competition, a weekly slot hostedby Cheshire radio station Silk FM,and explained why Headway’sdedicated volunteers deserve towin a free lunch.

The team were thrilled to receivethe phone call saying they hadbeen chosen as winners of thecompetition, which was set up bythe station as a way of putting asmile on people’s faces midwaythrough the working week.

“I am delighted for Sue,” saidCarol Tennet, Head of Retail atHeadway. “It’s such a well-deserved honour as she works sohard, takes a great deal of pridein the making the shop aswelcoming and professional aspossible, and is always sosupportive of her excellent teamof volunteers and staff.

“It is also pleasing to see the restof the team rewarded. They workso hard to keep the shop cleanand always deliver top-qualitycustomer service.

“The tasty prize even came withfresh homemade cakes – I wouldhave been quite jealous if it wasn’tfor the lovely birthday cake!”

● To find out how you can getinvolved with your local shop,please visit www.headway.org.uk/supporting-you/in-your-area/charity-shops

Sue Watkins (right) and DeputyManager Helen Share break out thebirthday balloons

“ “I would like to thankRichard Holland fromPoynton in Business and alsotown mayor RebeccaHorsman, both of whomhave supported the Headwayshop since it opened one year ago.

Sue Watkins

Headway Shop Manager Sue Watkinsreceives lunch from Silk FM delivery man

21

Fundraising News


The charity sector has receivednegative press over the past fewmonths, with the aggressive tacticsof a small number of large nationalorganisations risking damage to allcharities. Here, Director ofFundraising Jo Plant sets outHeadway’s fundraising principleswhile highlighting the flexibility oflegacy gifts.

“I am passionate about my joband the work of Headway,” saidJo. “I know this passion is sharedby my team and the manyvolunteers and staff across theUK who are fundraising for localHeadway groups and branches.

“The values of a fundraising teamshould reflect the values of theorganisation. For Headway, thosevalues include respecting therights of donors to choose whothey support, in which way, towhat extent, and when.

“Charitable giving should alwaysbe about choice. It's about trustand respect, and knowing thatyour values and principles arereflected by the charity youchoose to support.

“Our fundraising principlesinclude not employing third-partyagencies to cold call andpressurise people in their ownhomes. We will never bombardpeople with endless mailshots, orput on the ‘hard sell’.

“We are proud of the principleswe work to and believe in and wetrust our generous supporters feelsimilarly.”

‘Charity giving should always be about choice’

The flexibility of legacy givingJo continued: “Being able toafford to give is also a bigconcern for many who genuinelywish to help. Some people mayhave a connection to Headwaythrough brain injury but are unableto donate money during theirlifetime, particularly when financialpressures mean that cash has togo on the essentials of living. AtHeadway, we recognise thesedifficulties.

“One way of giving long-termsupport to the charity is to thinkabout leaving a gift in your will.The option of leaving an amountor small percentage of your estatein your will, after ensuring yourfamily is provided for first, offers ameans of donating to a causeafter you have gone. It can alsoprovide an immediate sense offulfilment knowing that you will behelping in the future.

“While large legacies makenational headlines, here atHeadway, any gift – large or small– makes a difference and allowsus to continue providing essentialservices. These gifts may notmake national newspapers butthey certainly make headlines at Headway!”

● Visit www.headway.org.uk/donate/our-fundraising-principlesto read our principles in full.

● If you would like to considerleaving a gift in your will toHeadway, please view theinformation available on theHeadway website or contact Lisa Thompson on0115 924 0800 or by email at [email protected].

● To download a free will planner,visit www.headway.org.uk/donate/a-gift-in-your-will

“Whether it seemed like the daftest question in the world or the most serious ofmatters, Headway picked us up and guided us on our way. Nine years on, theystill do. Thank you for your support – and thank you to everyone who supportsHeadway!” Sarah and Colin Kavanagh

22

News from across the UK


Service users, volunteersand staff at HeadwaySwindon have proved that

having – or making – friends inthe right places really can make adifference.

The group was facing the veryreal prospect of being homelessdue to the lease on its premisescoming to an end and a planningapplication to move to a newhome being in jeopardy.

After a successful lobbyingcampaign with assistance fromHeadway UK the group is nowlooking forward to an excitingfuture in a new, fit-for-purpose

A bright future...with a little help from some friends

home after planning permissionwas finally granted by the council.

“We are delighted to be able tobegin the process of moving intoour new home,” said JaneWeston, Centre Manager forHeadway Swindon. “A few weeksago, we were facing a verydifferent future.

“Our planning application to moveto an unused building in theDorcan Complex in the town wasat serious risk of rejection. Thiswas a real setback, particularly aswe were convinced that we couldeasily overcome the objectionsthat were being raised.”

The group formulated a plan tocontact local influencers anddecision makers – includingmembers of the PlanningCommittee who would hear the appeal. They called upon the help of Headway UK’scommunications team to verifyand improve upon the plan andassist with preparation of thecommunications.

“We are very proud of the workwe do, but perhaps we took it forgranted that others would knowof, and equally value, our work.

“Although we have regularcontact with the local CCG, anda good relationship with a localMP, we have never invested timein building up relationships withlocal councillors. When it came toit, we didn’t have enoughadvocates within the council tospeak up on our behalf.

“We sought to rectify this byasking for help from the contactswe already had, and thencontacting the PlanningCommittee members to ask fortheir support. Letters were sentby carers and service users, aswell as from our Chair Anna Cole,explaining the benefit of Headwayto the lives of vulnerable people inour community.

“The information and advice wereceived from Headway UK’scommunications team during thisprocess was invaluable.

Mass support: Jane Weston (from right) with fellow staff and trustees atthe Planning Committee meeting

23



Full steam ahead forfantastic fundraisers

Acreative fundraiser fromNorfolk has helped to raisemore than £2,000 for her

local Headway group by organisingan innovative steam engine party,complete with hog roast.

Volunteer Liz Plumb recruited ateam of volunteers to host herannual steam engine event, whichsees charity supporters and braininjury survivors come together ather Long Acres caravan park, inHeacham, to generate vital fundsfor Headway Norfolk and Waveney.

And the donations could not havecome at a better time. With thesupport of Norfolk CountyCouncil, Headway Norfolk andWaveney recently launched a newrehabilitation facility in Kings Lynnto provide a much-needed hub forthe charity’s brain injury servicesin the west of the county.

Funds raised by Liz and herhusband Mike for the local groupwill go towards running thecentre’s new activity sessionssuch as yoga, craft sessions andmany more!

“I have been involved withHeadway Norfolk and Waveneysince 1986,” said Liz. “The charityhas greatly supported me in thepast and now I am supportingthem. We need more people toknow about and be more awareof brain injury and the seriouseffects it can have.”

Angela Page from Headway Norfolk and Waveney receives cheques from supportersMike and Liz Plumb, Jenny and Peter Copeman and John Burgess

Laura Jones, Director of ClientServices, said: “In thesechallenging economic times this donation will make a realdifference to us, and we are verygrateful for all the time, effort andsupport that has been given byLiz and her supporters.”

The local group has alsobenefitted from a secondgenerous donation of £1,000from the Masons Ephraimite

Lodge club, in Hunstanton,whose members completed aseries of fundraising events toraise awareness of the cause.

● To watch a specialist talkdelivered by brain injury survivorJames Piercy at the HeadwayNorfolk and Waveney’s launchceremony for the new service,please visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YXI2ciuashc

A warm wel

Winter 2015HeadwayNews24


after a pioneering local activistwho changed the face of socialcare in Britain by campaigningfor the rights and individualneeds of people with mentalhealth problems.

“The most exciting thing aboutMaking Headway is that it willgive a voice to people who haveremained voiceless over the yearsand, to a large extent, still are,”said Austin Willett, ChiefExecutive of HeadwayCambridgeshire.

“It is through hearing the stories ofindividuals with brain injuries andlooking into the context of theircare that we will see both how farwe have come, and how far westill have to go, to ensuringeveryone affected by brain injuryreceives the best treatment

possible.”

Inquisitive members ofHeadway Cambridgeshire willsoon be journeying back to

19th century England as part of aninnovative history project fundedby a generous community grant.

Headway Cambridgeshire’sMaking Headway initiative hasreceived almost £60,000 fromthe Heritage Lottery Fund toenable the local group to delveinto the hidden histories of pastbrain injury survivors and bygonecare practices to reveal how farour society has come.

Thanks to the grant scheme,which supports educationalcommunity projects, MakingHeadway was launched on 22 October at the Museum ofCambridge as part of a fringeevent for the Cambridge Festivalof Ideas.

The heritage project aims toinvestigate the evolving way inwhich people affected by braininjury have been treated since themid-19th century by making thestories of past survivors inCambridgeshire heard, seen and understood.

Headway Cambridgeshiremembers, volunteers and staffhave already started work onresearching and collectingtestimonies for the initiative, whichwill feature the production of ashort film and a travellingexhibition of the charity’s findings.

Service users have alreadydiscovered that HeadwayCambridgeshire’s Ida Darwinsite, in Fulbourn, was named

Blast from the past

Austin Willett, Chief Executive ofHeadway Cambridgeshire

Headway Hartlepool hasbecome the latest branchto join the charity’s network.

At a launch ceremony held atWest Hartlepool’s Rugby Club inOctober, Headway NetworkSupport Manager, Alastair White,addressed a room packed withmedical experts, brain injurysurvivors, carers and a range ofcommunity and corporatesupporters.

Guest speakers included Dr. DonBrechin, Director of Psychology atJames Cook Hospital, whodelivered a talk called Re-trainingMy Brain, while there was also anopportunity for local individuals toshare their personal experiencesof brain injury. Delegates werealso treated to a DVD screeningof Aftermath of Brain Injury by

25



come to Headway Hartlepool

recovery following a brain injury. Iwanted to live independently butneeded a support service thatwould help me to achieve thisgoal. Today, I live at the Headland,in Hartlepool, with my wife Maryand two children, but it has takenme thirteen years to get to thisstage – far too long.

“The opening of a new Headwaybranch in Hartlepool marks animportant step towards offeringgreater support throughout therecovery process to improve thelives of local people who aregoing through similar life-changing experiences because of brain injury.”

Clinical Neuro-psychologist Dr Ken Barrett.

Stroke survivor Jonathan Purnelland carer Sue Harrison wereamong to take to the podium andshare their stories of brain injuryto highlight the value and need forlocal Headway services.

Dad-of-two Jonathan, 50, was just24 when he suffered a blow to theback of the head during a game ofrugby in Sedgefield, which causeda brain haemorrhage that left himwith a severe brain injury.

“When I sustained my head injuryin 1990 it felt like the dark ages offollow-up care,” said Jonathan.

“I was discharged from hospitalbut found few community servicesfit for caring for someone in

Glenys Marriott (right) and Helen Shawproudly show the group's trophy andcertificate

Stroke survivor Jonathan Purnell with his wife Mary

Committed volunteers atHeadway South Cumbriahave been recognised for

their hard work and devotion tosupporting local people affectedby brain injury at an annualawards ceremony.

On Thursday 22 October, GlenysMarriot, Chairman at HeadwaySouth Cumbria, and the localgroup’s Secretary Helen Shawwere delighted to receive theaward, ‘Celebrating Volunteers:Making a Difference’, on behalf of their dedicated team ofvolunteers.

Headway South Cumbria also ranan information stand at the annualceremony, which was hosted bylaw firm, Potter Rees Dolan, andorganised by Cumbria CVS, alocal membership organisationthat helps charities to celebrateand develop their services.

“We were surprised and thrilledon behalf of our volunteers to begiven an award for the group’scontribution to the county,” saidGlenys.

“It was also great that Helen and I were given the fantasticopportunity of talking about the

incredible work Headway staffand volunteers do for peopleaffected by brain injury as wewere presented with the award by Cumbria CVS.”

Making a difference

26



Royal seal of approval for Headway DevonHeadway Devon’s new

home in Exeter hasreceived the royal seal of

approval following a visit by HerRoyal Highness The Countess ofWessex.

During her visit, The Countess ofWessex was treated to a tour ofthe group’s Exeter-basedXCentre, a sympatheticconversion of the city’s old wool-drying shed that was purchasedby the local group following atwo-year fundraising appeal.

Her Royal Highness took time tospeak with members affected bybrain injury and even participatedin a range of rehabilitation

activities offered by HeadwayDevon.

In addition to trying her hand atexercises developed to improvethinking skills like memory andconcentration, The Countess ofWessex tasted a traditional Devoncream tea with scones bakedspecially by service users.

The Countess was also shown aspinning activity where clients learnhow to spin alpaca wool into yarn.The activity epitomises theimportant role that the XCentreplayed in the city’s wool-trade inthe 18th century and Headway’sfocus on art and craft activities asrehabilitation tools after brain injury.

After witnessing some of theactivities, Her Royal Highness

unveiled a plaque to mark the visitand was presented with a posyby Marilyn Dingle-Shevlin, a long-standing client and supporter ofHeadway Devon.

Following the visit, HeadwayDevon Chief Executive AnneMattock said: “To have TheCountess of Wessex visit thecentre was a great validation ofthe important work that we do inthe local community.

“Our clients thoroughly enjoyedmeeting HRH, who showed a realinterest in their stories andexperiences, taking the time tospeak with each personindividually. It was a very positiveexperience for us all and we weretouched by her understandingand compassion.”

HRH The Countess of Wessex accepts aposy from long-standing HeadwayDevon client, Marilyn Dingle-Shevlin

The Countess of Wessex meets members of Headway Devon

for Headway and support hisfather, but that he took to theskies with a team of people whoare all devoted to alerting peopleto what help is available afterbrain injury.”

The team’s collective target is£4,500, with all proceeds goingtowards expanding HeadwayDarlington and District’s supportservices and funding a weekendrehabilitation trip for survivors ofbrain injury and their carers atThe Calvert Trust activity centre,in Keswick.

Fearless fundraisers fall10,000ft for charity

Winter 2015 HeadwayNews


27

The spirited son of aDarlington man whosustained a serious brain

injury in 2011 has taken to theskies to raise funds for the charitythat helped rebuild his father’s life.

Gareth Russell-Hughes, 24 andfrom Darlington, is one of fourfundraisers who plummeted10,000ft at 120mph from a planeat Teesside Airport to raise moneyand awareness of HeadwayDarlington and District.

The skydives took place on 25 October and saw survivors ofbrain injury, carers, solicitors andother Headway supporters fall forthe cause as part of a local braininjury awareness campaign.

First to sign up for the challengewas Gareth, whose father andHeadway Darlington and Districtmember Alwyn Hughes sustaineda severe brain injury in 2011. Itleft him with ongoing physical andcognitive difficulties that stillchallenge him today.

“My first-hand understanding ofhow brain injury can devastate thelives of entire families makesskydiving to raise awareness ofHeadway incredibly important tome,” said Gareth.

“The charity has many plans toexpand their services to improve thelives of more local people affectedby brain injury. When I found myselfworrying about the skydive, Ireminded myself how isolating brain Flying without wings: Gareth Russell-Hughes takes to the skies with his instructor

injury can be for whole families andI gained courage from wanting todo something that will help make adifference during those difficulttimes.”

Before the challenge, Garetheven strapped a camera to hishelmet to capture his journey tothe ground on film.

Alwyn’s wife Nicola, who is nowChair of Headway Darlingtonand District, said: “I am so proudthat Gareth has not only takenon this challenge to raise funds

Journalist-turned-TV presenterPiers Morgan went from criticto performer as he joined

forces with Australian cricketerShane Warne for a friendly matchin Sussex – all in support ofHeadway!

Piers, a former judge on popularTV show Britain’s Got Talent,proved himself a talentedcricketer as he took to the pitchfor the annual match between theMorgan family and Newick CricketClub to raise funds for HeadwayHurstwood Park.

Piers has played for Newick –where his parents live – since1978 and has hosted the eventsince 2000.

Michele Fleming, Chief Executiveat Headway Hurstwood Park,said: “While the rainy Englishsummer unfortunately preventedbig crowds from turning out to theevent, money was raised for ourcharity and we are happy toannounce Headway Hurstwood

Piers got Talents

Winter 2015HeadwayNews


28

Dawn Astle, daughter of former WestBromwich Albion and England StrikerJeff Astle, opening the event

Park will be Newick CricketClub’s chosen charity again next year.

“We are incredibly grateful toPiers, Shane and everyone else forgiving their time to play or watch.”

‘Back on track’Headway Hurstwood Park alsocelebrated the success of thegroup’s third conference, co-organised by ASB Aspire lawfirm, which was held at the AMEXsports stadium in Brighton.

The conference, named BrainInjury: Back on Track, wasopened by special guest DawnAstle, daughter of former WestBromwich Albion and EnglandStriker Jeff Astle, who died in2002 of brain injury caused byrepeatedly heading heavyfootballs during his career.

Dawn welcomed more than 175delegates and sponsors to theevent by delivering her ownpersonal account of how herfather’s brain injury impacted notonly upon him but upon her entirefamily. This year, Jeff’s familylaunched the Jeff Astle Foundationto call for an independentinvestigation into the link betweenfootball and brain injury.

Delegates were then treated to arange of talks, including testimonialsand a lecture on long-term disabilitydelivered by Professor RichardWise, from Imperial CollegeLondon. Assistive TechnologyConsultant Simon Churchillconcluded the proceedings byexploring how technologies ranging

from communication aids tocomputer access can helpindividuals regain independencefollowing brain injury.

“Our return to the AMEX wasparticularly appropriate given thespecific sports-related contextwithin the conference programme,”said Michele Fleming.

“Planning and organising an eventon this scale is no mean feat andfeedback from the event has beenvery positive. Thanks go to thehighly efficient events team atASB Law firm and our eventsponsors Frenkel Topping, SussexHealthcare, Independent LivingSolutions Ltd., Brain Injury Group,and The Children’s Trust.”

Piers Morgan with Michele Fleming, ChiefExecutive of Headway Hurstwood Parkand Australian cricketer Shane Warne

Agolfer has gone a fairwayto thanking HeadwayWorcestershire for helping

him rebuild his life after hesustained a traumatic brain injury.

Professional golf coach LeoTarrant, who had to relearn howto speak and move after a fall athome left him with a life-changingbrain injury, raised almost £2,000for Headway Worcestershire at alocal golf day he organised inpartnership with RavenmeadowGolf Centre, in Worcester.

The event saw an impressive 82participants take to the pitch forthe cause, with donationsflooding in from charity supportersand 40 players who could notattend the event.

When Leo fell outside of his homeand sustained a life-threateninghead injury three years ago, theprofessional golfer was left in acoma for eight months withdoctors warning that, should heever regain consciousness, hemay face a lifetime of permanentdisability.

With the ongoing support fromHeadway Worcestershire, Leo isfinally back in action, though hisbrain injury has left him with long-term memory problems, alongwith an impaired sense of smelland other hidden effects.

Proceeds from the fundraiser willbe split between HeadwayWorcestershire and theProfessional Golf Association tohonour the role both organisations

have played in helping Leo on hisroad to recovery.

“These two charities will alwayshave a special place in my heart,”said Leo.

“I am overwhelmed by the supportwe have received from localpeople in Worcester. Theatmosphere was great andeveryone had a good time. Manyof the players are my friends whorecognise what great workHeadway Worcestershire hasdone for me and many others.

“Our thanks go to everyone whoplayed, donated money or raffle

Done in time for tee

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Eye on the ball: Leo Tarrant is back in the game with support of Headway Worcestershire

prizes, and the many localbusinesses that supported ourefforts to raise awareness of avery important cause.”

Julia Protesaru, FundraisingManager at HeadwayWorcestershire, said: “Leo’srecovery story is an inspirationto all of us. We are forevergrateful to him for dedicating somuch of his time to helping usand The PGA.

“It is important for people tounderstand the effects of braininjury and how it can affectanybody at any stage in their lifeand that we are here for them.”

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Dance in DecemberFun-seeking supporters of

Headway East London arein for a treat this winter as

the local group has teamed up withthe capital’s Southbank Centre fora charity dance marathon.

The event, which will take placeon Sunday 13 December at the

Southbank Centre’s iconic CloreBallroom as part of the venue’sWinter Festival, marks the finalflourish to Headway EastLondon’s Dance in Decemberfundraising campaign.

The month-long project was setup by the local group to

encourage members, volunteersand charity supporters to getmoving and donating to help localfamilies affected by brain injury.

As part of the campaign, localbusinesses, schools, and thegeneral public were invited tosubmit a photo or video of theirbest dance move, along with a £5donation to the charity.

The initiative’s concluding ‘dancemarathon’ in the heart of Londonwill feature a host of DJs, dancetroops and musicians, withthemed events taking performerson a journey through the erasfrom 1930s to present day.Prizes, complimentary massages,and refreshments will also beavailable to attendees.

“Following the highly positiveresponse to our Dance inDecember campaign, we areabsolutely delighted to be stagingour dance marathon at theSouthbank Centre,” said MiriamLantsbury, Chief Executive ofHeadway East London.

“The centre is an iconic venuededicated to showcasing a diverserange of arts and cultural events.This will be our fourth marathonand hopefully the best yet.Whether people can come alongfor eight hours or a shorter period,we welcome anyone who wouldlike to get involved in some way.”

● To request your fundraisingpack for the Dance Marathon or for more information about Dance in December,please visit www.headwayeastlondon.org

Headway East London supporters Dance in December

Cutting edge fundraising

Charity fundraiser PhilippaBushell made the hair-raisingdecision to lop off her locks toraise funds for HeadwayRotherham at the group’s annualBBQ event, raising a staggering£3,084 for the local group. Well done, Philippa!

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General News


Dates for your Diary


December 2015Friday 11th Annual Awards Lunch, The Dorchester, London *

March 2016Saturday 5th – Sunday 13th Sahara Trek *

April 2016Sunday 10thGreater Manchester Marathon *

Wednesday 20th – Saturday 24thLondon to Paris Cycle Ride *

Sunday 24th Virgin Money London Marathon *

* For further details of events, contact the fundraising team on 0115 924 0800.

** For further details, contact Sam Clarke on 0115 947 1908.

For details of the training Headway can offer,contact Angela Palmer on 0115 947 1919, orvisit the Professionals section of the website fordescriptions of the courses available and theonline booking form.

Headway - the brain injury association isregistered with the Charity Commission forEngland and Wales (Charity No 1025852) andthe Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator(Charity No SC039992). Headway - the braininjury association is a company limited byguarantee Registered in England No. 2346893

Headway News welcomes contributions fromreaders. We are always pleased to receive articlesbut cannot guarantee that they will be published. Ifyou have any questions about writing an article,then please contact the communications team on0115 924 0800 or [email protected]

Spring 2016. Copy deadline: end JanuaryPublished: early March

May 2016Monday 9th – Sunday 15thAction for Brain Injury Week

Friday 13th MayHats for Headway Day

Date to be confirmedJoint Brain and Spinal InjuryConference, in partnership withthe Spinal Injuries Association *

June 2016Thursday 2nd – Sunday 5thExtreme London to Paris Cycle Ride *

July 2016Friday 1st – Sunday 3rd The Way Ahead Conference,Yarnfield Training & ConferenceCentre, Stone, Staffs **

headway - the brain injury association | headway - winter ......headway launches new ‘modern f or...

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