Trish Campini, 81 from Rhyl, will be recognised at an annual awards ceremony organised by Headway- the brain injury association, as one of three people from across the UK, in the running for the title of Carer of the Year- Sponsored by Barr Ellison LLP.
When Trish's son Stephen was knocked over by a campervan in 1978, he was left with many long-term health problems, including speech issues, balance problems, and a very short-term memory.
As the years passed, Trish and her husband Peter dedicated their lives to supporting their Stephen through his prolonged disability, a disability which involved 19 separate operations and countless trips to the hospital.
In 2008, life became even more of a struggle when Peter was diagnosed with cancer and Trish became a carer for her husband and son.
She continued to take Stephen to all his appointments, which were often many miles away, whilst all the time nursing Peter.
Sadly in 2011, Peter passed away and to make matters worse, three weeks after his funeral, it was Trish who needed medical care. She was taken into hospital for a triple by-pass operation.
But yet again, within days of returning home, she again showed her dedication to her family and resumed looking after her son.
Now, with the support of her local branch Headway Conwy and Denbighshire, she is able to face these daily struggles and adversities but is infallible in her courage and caring nature towards her son- who is now aged 63.
She said: “There have been many times in my life where things have been very tough and you think, how can I keep going? But you find a way. I am a very strong willed person.
“But it`s more than that, it's simply that I love my family and will support them through everything. It's just who I am.
“Attending Headway has been such a help too, it is nice to be around people who truly understand what you are going through.
“Even though everyone has different brain injuries, lots of carers feel the same things, face the same difficulties and we are there for each other. It’s a lovely atmosphere."
Trish was nominated by Headway Conwy and Denbighshire's chair Rosemary Holland
She said: "Trish's dedication to care for her family is inspirational. It's fair to say that she is invaluable to our group because she does so much for everyone. She has such a wonderful caring nature and is well-loved by everyone.
“It's not only that she helps to organise day trips and other events within the branch, but it is also her kind words with people and the way she offers her time and support.”
Each year, Headway Annual Awards celebrates the exceptional efforts of survivors of brain injury and their carers. Trish will discover if she is to be named Carer of the Year at a glittering ceremony at The Dorchester Hotel in London in early December.
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