Reg’s first involvement with brain injury began during his time at the Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham where he trained social workers. It was here where he met neurosurgeon Peter Weston, who asked for his help with brain injury survivors on the long-stay ward.
This involvement triggered Reg’s lifelong interest in brain injury and his concern about not only the impact on the patient, but on their families too.
Reg later went on to join forces with Phillip Lockhart who was involved in similar work in Birmingham. Alongside Sir Neville Butterworth and Dinah and Barry Minton, the five called a meeting for all those involved in the care of brain injury survivors. A total of 23 carers and professionals attended a meeting on 23 October 1979 and Headway was born.
After the birth of the first Headway houses, in 1985, the charity moved to new premises in Nottingham and Reg Talbott was appointed its first Director.
Without Reg’s dedication and that of the other founders, the lives of brain injury survivors and their loved ones would be far more challenging. Thanks to their efforts, there is now a UK-wide network of support working to improve life after brain injury.
Reg passed away at home as he wanted, with his wife Gill by his side. His life ended in the same quiet and gentle manner in which he had lived.
He leaves behind his wife Gill, three children Sarah, Simon and Rebecca and his grandchildren Ieuan, Rhiannon, Tomos, Matthew and Daniel. Reg will be missed by all those who knew and loved him.
We thank the Talbott family for these words.
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