In 2018 my dad Michael, then aged 56, suffered a brain injury. It was a bolt from the blue: a nasty virus caused his heart to fail, which led to a major stroke. He was in intensive care for months, and we were told he wouldn't survive. But miraculously he pulled through. From there he had to start from scratch, learning again how to swallow, how to speak, how to walk, everything.

My dad has since made a massive recovery. He lives independently, co-parents his three young daughters, has a renewed social life and volunteers for Age UK giving tech support. He still faces challenges, but he is living a rich and happy life.

We have Headway Bath and District to thank for much of my dad's recovery. Since he returned from hospital they have given him specialist neurological rehabilitation nearly every weekday, rebuilding his capabilities and confidence. With Headway he has made new friends and explored dozens of new creative and sporting activities. This vital care in the community has made a massive difference to him and to so many other people in Bath and beyond.

Headway Bath and District's amazing support for my dad inspired me to get involved, joining the board of trustees. I have had the privilege of seeing from the inside how they do what they do, but I have also seen how precarious this vital local service is. Getting adequate funding is a constant struggle, and it is never enough to meet community needs. That's why I'm asking you to sponsor me to run the Bath Half Marathon in support of Headway Bath and District. Our current priorities for growth are hospital outreach, piloting new services in Wiltshire and supporting a peer support group for those with less acute brain injuries.