Susan Kyle has raised thousands of pounds for Headway Hull and East Riding, a charity that supports brain injury survivors and their families.
Now she has been named as one of three finalists for Headway - the brain injury association's Volunteer of the Year Award, sponsored by Anthony Gold Solicitors.
Susan, 62, has suffered with asthma since birth and later developed chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the name for a group of lung conditions that cause breathing difficulties.
John and Susan Kyle (photo by Richard Addison, Hull Daily Mail)
She also developed epilepsy as a child and suffered seizures on a regular basis.
In 2007, she underwent brain surgery to help reduce the seizures, but she was left living with the lasting effects of brain injury including short term memory loss and fluctuating emotions.
Susan's husband John, 68, now cares for her, helping her to carry out all of her fundraising and attend sessions at Headway Hull and East Riding.
Sadly, Sue was recently diagnosed with terminal lung and liver cancer and told she had less than a year to live. She is currently receiving immunotherapy to try to extend her life.
"When they told me the cancer was incurable, I cried knowing I couldn't help Headway Hull and East Riding anymore," said Sue.
"John cried a lot but in the end I lost my rag and said 'I want to go out laughing and joking and there's nothing we can do!
"I've told him he has to carry on fundraising for Headway when I'm gone, or else I'll haunt him."
Having benefitted from the support of Headway Hull and East Riding, Susan and her husband John are devoted to spreading the word about the charity and the support available.
Susan has raised thousands of pounds for the charity, by obtaining raffle prizes from shops and businesses across Hull and the surrounding areas.
"They all tell me I can come back and ask for more prizes anytime," she said. "I always go back to tell them how much we raised and to say thank you, and give them a thank you poster.
"I don't know where John and I would be without the support of Headway Hull and East Riding, it's been invaluable.
"We didn't find out about them until two years after my injury, so now I do everything I can to make sure other people that have brain injuries can find the support they need as soon as possible."
Lesley Saunders, secretary of Headway Hull and East Riding, said: "Sue is a total inspiration to all of us. We are devastated at the recent turn of events but we are trying to be strong to support both Sue and John.
"We suggested she starts to take it a bit slower but she says supporting Headway Hull and East Riding is what gets her out of bed in the morning.
"Her friendly personality and positive attitude is infectious, she makes all new members feel welcome and she always makes us laugh.
"She has raised an incredible amount of money for us and we could not run our services as we do today without her. Every charity needs a Sue and we want her to know how much we all appreciate her work and how much we love her."
Each year, the Headway Annual Awards celebrate the exceptional efforts of survivors of brain injury and their carers.
Sue will find out whether she will win the Volunteer of the Year Award sponsored by Anthony Gold Solicitors, at a glittering ceremony at The Dorchester Hotel, London, on Friday, 7 December.
"When Lesley told me the news I was in total shock," said Sue. "I just do this because I love it and I want to help other people."
Awards for Achiever and Carer of the Year will also be presented, alongside the Stephen McAleese Outstanding Contribution to Headway Award.
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