Sisters Emma and Marianne obliterated their initial target to raise £5,173!
At the end of April this year, the Willemsen sisters received the most devastating news that their beloved brother Neill had tragically passed away in a freak accident due to brain injury.
Just five months later the duo took on the Great North Run in his memory. After the run, Emma said:
“We loved every minute of it and are so proud to have contributed to the incredible amount raised for this amazing charity! Thank you for your support.”
We think you are an incredible duo for taking on this challenge, particularly so soon after your tragic loss. Thank you for helping us continue to improve life after brain injury.
Huan and Will raised over £700!
Huan’s life was turned upside down when she came off her bike when cycling home from work in April 2022. She sustained a traumatic brain injury in the form of a subarachnoid haemorrhage and moderate diffuse axonal injury.
Feeling lucky to have made a good recovery, Huan wants to thank Headway – the brain injury association for the amazing resources that supported her and her family through such a difficult time. For this reason, Huan and Will took on the Great North Run and completed it in an impressive time of under two hours, saying afterwards:
“We both had a great time and are thankful for the support from everyone”.
Thank you and congratulations guys!
Lottie raised almost £3,000!
For sisters Lottie and Emily, the Great North Run was a particularly special race – it marked the end of their challenge to run eight half marathons in as many days! They took on this amazing feat and ran together to show support for their sister Tilly, who sustained a brain injury following the collision in March 2022.
“It’s nothing compared to what Tilly has gone through over the past 15 months, and we are so proud of how far she has come. I want to raise money for Headway because, as well as the charity being able to help more people with brain injuries, I also want to raise awareness for the lifestyle someone like Tilly has had to adapt to. She has come so far and is doing amazing in her recovery, but it has certainly not been easy.”
This incredible story was even picked up by the BBC – so a huge thank you to Lottie for raising funds and awareness of Headway – the brain injury association. You can read more about Lottie and Emily’s story here too.
Claire raised £359!
Claire has recently started to work in the field of support for brain injury survivors and recognises the impact a brain injury has, not just on the individual, but their loved ones too.
“I had an awesome day. Despite the torrential weather in the last few miles. There was no way I wasn’t finishing. Thank you so much for letting me be a part of it and I’m so pleased I contributed to the amazing amount that has been raised. Now time to rest!”
Thank you, Claire, for the fundraising, and your continued work helping brain injury survivors.
Rachel went beyond her target to raise £640!
Rachel was diagnosed with a subdural haematoma on the brain which showed up on a CT scan after a period of illness last winter.
“I still have a way to go for recovery and getting the all-clear. Even though the pain and discomfort I have gone through has been like nothing I have experienced before, I feel very lucky as things could have been a lot worse.”
Rachel is a seasoned runner and has not let her brain injury stop her. She told us that crossing the finish line and raising funds for Headway – the brain injury association was more important than focusing on not running at her normal pace. After the race she said:
“Loved every minute of it until the storm came. Today, I decided to run and not race, especially with it being so hot. For me, I wanted to soak it all in as it was a reminder of how far I’ve come. When I actually signed up for this charity place, I had only just been discharged from the hospital. In December I suffered a head injury, causing a brain haemorrhage. Thankfully I had the all clear in June from the Neurologist with little side effects. A huge well done to everyone else that ran for headway today.”
Rachel, we are in awe of you! Thank you and congratulations again!
Thank you #HeadwayHeroes
This is just a handful of our wonderful #HeadwayHeroes who took on the 13.1 mile Great North Run 2023 to raise funds for Headway – the brain injury association. We want to extend our sincere appreciation and gratitude to you all. Thank you all!
There are so many reasons people may choose to take on a charity run. The funds raised are essential in helping us continue to improve life after brain injury. It is also extremely rewarding for you, the fundraiser, just look at all the positive comments above, everyone has loved training and completing their event.
