In 2023 I suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) which undoubtedly changed the course of my late-teens. I have gratefully since made a full-recovery, but its lasting impact on myself, family and friends remains profound. This has prompted me to complete the Robin Hood Half for the BRILL team.

I want to raise money and recognition for the BRILL team (Brain injury Rehabilitation Living Life) which is unique to Nottingham in helping young people and their families navigate a brain injury.

The BRILL team is comprised of Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, a Consultant, a speech and language therapist and a Clinical Psychologist; together, they support a patient through every aspect and stage of recovery. BRILL has a specific focus on promoting the return to education as soon as it’s feasible to do so. Through liaising with schools and exam boards, BRILL facilitate a supportive environment that allows a patient to continue their education with the least possible disruption. Despite being 3 years post injury, the BRILL team continue to support my journey at university, this duration of support differentiates Nottingham.

Raising money allows the improvement in the quality of their service, while also increasing the geographical scope they can support. This directly improves patient outcomes in the midlands region.

The funds raised from this event will be primarily targeted accelerating survivors' return to sport and executive function. The BRILL team and I have decided on spending the money on:

- VR headsets to support physical rehab

- Activity trackers to motivate young patients to stay active

- Speech and Language word finding assessment kit.