Gwenda Gage, 76, from East Harptree, near Bristol, will be recognised at an annual awards ceremony organised by Headway – the brain injury association, as one of just three people from across the UK in the running for the title of Carer of the Year, sponsored by Sponsored by Barr Ellison LLP.
“I was really surprised when I got told I was a finalist for such a prestigious award. It was such a lovely moment,” said Gwenda.
In 1994, Gwenda’s son Steven sustained a traumatic brain injury when he was forced to jump from a fourth floor of a burning building after waking up in the night to find he had no other means of escape.
Steven's brain injury has affected his emotions and he now lacks insight on how his often difficult behaviour impacts on Gwenda.
Despite this, she is a huge support to him both practically and emotionally, which is especially remarkable since she permanently needs to carry around an oxygen tank to help her manage her inflammation of the lungs.
Battling all this she supports him to live alone in a property 15 miles away.
She also supports him with attending medical appointments, helps him to manage his finances and contacts the local authority on Steven’s behalf with housing issues when he becomes overwhelmed.
Steven calls Gwenda regularly when he is feeling stressed and she is always at the end of the phone to support him.
In recent months, Steven has had to vacate his property for a number of months with the possibility of being housed in a hostel.
Gwenda, who used to work as a nurse, did not want this to happen and accommodated him in her bungalow, despite only having one bedroom and suffering her own health problems.
She said: “I just do my best to keep going and stay positive. I have been a carer now for so long that it’s just normal, it’s just life.”
Gwenda said that having the support from her local group Headway Bristol has been a massive help.
She said: “Knowing there are a set of people I can turn to, to talk to and get advice from has been so important.
“When you think ‘I can’t go on any longer’ they are there to help you calm down and help to build up your strength. We support each other; Headway Bristol has been a lifeline to me.”
Gwenda was nominated for the award by Tracey Lathrope, a Carers Support Worker at Headway Bristol.
Tracey said: “Gwenda is a remarkable woman who continually inspires everyone at our group.
“Gwenda’s life changed suddenly and drastically when Steven sustained his brain injury but she tackles everyday with positivity, endless encouragement and with such patience.
“She is such a valued member of our group. She regularly attends our carers groups and her breathing difficulties did not stop her from attending a recent carers walk around the docks in Bristol - along with her cylinder.
“She also fundraises for us by selling jams and collecting in the village where she lives. She is such a star and I really hope she wins.”
Each year, Headway Annual Awards celebrates the exceptional efforts of survivors of brain injury and their carers.
Gwenda will discover if she is to be named Carer of the Year at a glittering ceremony at The Dorchester Hotel, in London, on Friday 7 December. Awards for Achiever and Volunteer will also be presented, alongside the Stephen McAleese Outstanding Contribution to Headway Award.
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