Back in 2009, I was a HR Director for a local Trust Company, my career was on the up and everything was looking great. Every year in July the whole company had an annual outing, usually to France for an overnight stay. These events were much looked forward to and the antics became part of  company folklaw!   Simply everyone got involved and it was so great for team morale and bonding.

Tragically July 2009 changed this forever...  I was always planning on going, that Friday there was so much excitement at work.  Bags were packed and left in reception, Pictures were being shared wth new recruits from previous events and the whole day was buzzing.. At the last minute I had a change of mind...I decided not to go, I dont know why, just I guess, a feeling.  My colleague and friend Mike had teased me, saying I was a lightweight! He asked me who he was going to sit next to a nip out wtith for a fag!  (we later learnt his family didnt know he smoked!)  At 2.30 in the morning I had the call.. The one that you know will change things forever. One of my colleagues was calling from France to say there had been an accident, people were injured and were being taken to hospital in Renne. It seems that upon leaving the restaurant, having had a lovely time, the team were walking along the pavement to their next stop , the night club. A car came around the corner and went out of control, flipping onto its roof and crashing into our team... many had cuts and bruises, all were in dreadful shock but Mike was trapped and unconscious.  At 3am I went to break the awful news to his wife. At 7am we boarded a ferry headed to Renne, both hardly speaking, both fearing the worse but both hoping for the best. Carol (Mikes wife) had the task of letting his children know, trying to stay positive so as not to upset them too much.  Arriving in Renne was simply dreadful, Mike was in a coma and things were not looking too great, another colleague was conscious but also in a very bad way.. It turns out the driver was Drunk... Three times over the legal limit and we found out later, this wasnt his first drink driving offense...

Mike had sustained  head injuries.  When they considered him to be stable (a fews weeks later) he was   brought back to Jersey where he remained in intensive care at the general hospital. Mike was my friend before he joined the Company, I introduced him to the Company and he was very much liked by everyone.. Despite being a Derby County supporter!! 

I went to see him during his last few days it was so sad but I'm glad that I went.   From a big, strong, strapping chap he was completely dependant on tubes, wires and machines..I was devastated.. A few days  later I took that call from from his wife who told me he had passed  away, his injuries were simply too bad..  The whole Company was in shock. 

So why Headway? Well, Carol wanted to do something to keep Mikes memory alive and so do I!!.  She became a committee member for Headway and firm fundraiser.  Mikes story ended tragically but with the help, support and rehabilitation that Headway provides to its members  it doesnt always have to be this way.

I now work with people who have Disabilites and Long Term Health issues and my job is to help people find work, I have several clients who's story is similar to Mikes but they are making progress to recover with the support of the wonderful team at Headway.

So I am asking you with all my heart, please donate.  It doesn't matter how much because every little helps. Its sad to say but we never think it will happen to us or someone we know, but it can..  and it does..

So I'm running for Mike - god bless and sleep well X

Rai