Michael Condon has won the Volunteer of the Year Award sponsored by Anthony Gold Solicitors. The award was presented Olympic Gold Medallist, James Cracknell, at the Landmark Hotel, London.
The national awards programme, run by UK-wide charity Headway – the brain injury association, celebrates the outstanding achievements and contributions of people with brain injuries and those working to support them.
When asked how it feels to have won, Michael said: “I feel both humble and proud. Humble as there are a lot of people who do the same or more than me in helping the Headway members and proud that I can represent all of Headway’s volunteers who do such a tremendous job.”
When the Covid pandemic struck in 2020, charities across the world were in crisis as funding came to an abrupt stop and face-to-face services were withdrawn.
Headway Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland, an organisation working to improve the lives of brain injury survivors, was one of those charities. The day centre and offices closed, and staff faced real barriers in supporting brain injury survivors.
Thankfully, Headway Leicester had Michael’s support. With the help of his friends and family, Michael raised £5,000 by dyeing his hair blue. This helped provide laptops, iPads and mobile phones for the Headway staff and members who didn’t have access to such technology.
Michael also played a key role in implementing and managing the new IT systems, forming connections with IT companies to receive resources at discounted rates, and even launched the charity’s digital day centres.
He was nominated for Volunteer of the Year by Mary Goulty, Services Director at Headway Leicester. She said: “Volunteering is about making a difference, and that is exactly what Michael does at Headway Leicester. He may not see his contribution as extraordinary, but we certainly do.”
Luke Griggs, Headway’s Chief Executive, said: “Michael’s dedication to Headway Leicester is inspirational. His willingness to tackle any job that’s asked of him and to give his all to ensuring brain injury survivors receive the best service possible, is truly admirable.
“If every local charity had a Michael, they would be very lucky indeed. We are so grateful for his continued support; he is very deserving of this award.”Back
