Back in November, our lives changed in an instant when my dad suffered a ruptured brain aneurysm and bleed. One moment everything felt normal, and the next our family was thrown into a situation filled with fear, uncertainty, and countless hospital visits. Watching someone you love fight for their life is something that changes you forever, and from that day onward, our family began a journey none of us could ever have prepared for.

Since the aneurysm, my dad has undergone multiple major surgeries. The first was the emergency operation to clip the bleed and save his life, followed by further procedures including a cranioplasty. Each surgery brought its own risks, challenges, and recovery process, and every step forward felt hard fought. There were moments of worry, exhaustion, and helplessness, but through it all my dad has shown unbelievable strength and determination.

Recovery from a brain injury is not straightforward. The smallest things many of us take for granted suddenly become huge milestones. From rebuilding movement and strength to relearning everyday tasks and working towards eating normal foods again, every bit of progress has taken incredible courage and persistence. Even on the hardest days, he continues to push himself forward, refusing to give up on getting back to living as normal a life as possible.

As a family, this experience has been emotionally overwhelming, but throughout it all we have been supported by the amazing work of Headway North Staffordshire. Their guidance, support, and understanding during such a difficult time have meant more than words can express. When everything felt uncertain, knowing there were people and organisations there to help families like ours made a real difference.

That is why I want to do this fundraiser. I want to give something back to a charity that supports so many people facing life-changing brain injuries, while also honouring my dad and the incredible fight he continues to show every single day. Brain injuries do not just affect one person — they affect entire families — and charities like HeadwayNS provide vital support, compassion, and hope when people need it most.

So, on October 4th October I will be running the Potters Arf. Every donation, no matter how small, will help support the work that HeadwayNS does for survivors of brain injuries and their families. It would also mean the world to my family as we continue supporting my dad through his recovery journey.

Thank you so much to everyone who takes the time to read this, donate, or share the fundraiser. Your kindness and support truly mean more than you know.