OUR STORY

At New Year, I got the kind of phone call you dread. James had been knocked down in a hit and run. Back then the goal posts were very narrow: "please don't die before I get there." James suffered multiple fractures, lost his spleen, and has a severe brain injury. Despite this, over the coming weeks and months, James defied all odds, and survived. The goal posts widened to "please wake up" and "please recognise me." After a traumatic few months in intensive care, he is now in a rehabilitation centre, still battling to try and relearn to think, eat, talk and use his body again. Brain injury can affect everything we think, say and do. From fundamental things like breathing, eating, speaking, controlling the muscles in our bodies, to more untangeable things like memory, understanding, the way you see things, personality, insight, motivation, ability to love and be loved, to laugh, to cry. All the things we take for granted, and all the things that make us human. James continues to fight everyday. Though he is not the same person he was, and he has severe limitations now, he still has a steely determination and strong will to succeed. He fights everyday with the kind of grace you can only dream of. He rarely complains, and puts everything he can into his intensive therapies. He continues to astound me with his strength, modesty and spirit. He was, and still is, a beautiful and very special man. I am hopeful that those goal posts will just keep widening. I am certain someone has grand plans for him.

HEADWAY

Headway help brain injury survivors and their families. From the beginning I was able to read their many publications, and learn more about brain injury. I now attend carer events, where I am able to meet other families. This is a great source of support, and helps lift the isolation that you can feel. James now attends a workshop with headway, where he is able to interact with others in a fun and supportive environment. I have met many inspirational people through Headway. One young girl, after a brain injury, had the first 19 years of her life wiped from her memory. Her memory was so bad, she was unable to be left alone for any more that a few minutes. As she progressed, she took part in the Headway Headstart program, and credits Headway with rebuilding her confidence, and her life. It took her two years to learn to cry again and has taken her 3 hard years to rebuild her life. Another young man has to get up at 5am every morning, because he takes so long to get ready for the day, that's 12 years after his accident. His mother now provides counselling services for people affected by brain injury. It is impossible to explain in a few words how people's lives can be changed unfathomably by this awful type of injury. Headway are helping educate people, and raise awareness of the silent suffering.

THE RACE DAY AND THANKS TO ALL

The half marathon went really well. I finished in 2:04, so I was quite pleased. James came to watch, and he managed to see me twice on the way around. I also saw a few friendly faces, some of whom I was not expecting, so thank you guys for your support on the day.  We had a lovely day, and James really enjoyed himself. He laughed for hours, literally!!! and was still laughing when I left him after 9pm that evening!!!

We have been really overwhelmed with the support everyone has given us, and the enormous amount of money we've been able to raise. This is all thanks to you and your kindness. There is good that comes from any situation, and this is it. Knowing there are so many wonderful people in our lives makes a world of difference.

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Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to donate: Headway - the brain injury association will receive your money electronically and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in Gift Aid will be added to your donation at no cost to you.

Many thanks for your support.