In September 2023, my dad suffered a stroke which changed both his and my family's lives significantly and came as a complete shock. What followed has been nearly three years of medical help as well as physical rehabilitation to get him back to ordinary life. 

All of this would be not possible without Headway's support, helping both him directly as well as supporting my family through uncharted waters. Most brain injuries come as a complete surprise and Headway ensures that patients and families have the support and education they need to get through these challenging times together. 

Nearly three years on, I will be running the Greath North Run to raise money for Headway, as I have personally discovered my love for running in the wake of this incident so it feels like a very fitting challenge. We often take for granted our physical freedom, and when this is taken away due to a brain injury, those of us who still have the opportunity should do our part to keep charities like Headway running. 

Brain Injury can challenge every aspect of your life - walking, talking, thinking and feeling - and the losses can be severe and permanent.  It can mean losing both the life you once lived and the person you once were.

We all think 'It will never happen to me', but every year around 350,000 people in the UK are admitted to hospital with an acquired brain injury.  That's one every 90 seconds!

A brain injury can happen to anyone, at any time. When it does, Headway is here to help. We are a UK-wide charity that works to improve life after brain injury by providing vital support, information and services such as:

A freephone helpline (0808 800 2244, helpline@headway.org.uk)

A comprehensive informative website (www.headway.org.uk)

An award-winning range of booklets and publications designed to help people understand the effect of a brain injury

Access to an Emergency Fund

A recognised Brain Injury Identity Card to help in everyday situations and if you come into contact with the criminal justice system

Access to local support groups

www.headway.org.uk