Headway Annual Awards 2023: Meet your finalists!
The Annual Awards is the biggest event in Headway’s calendar. It’s a day for celebrating dedication, growth and outstanding achievements of brain injury survivors, carers, volunteers and others in the Headway community across the United Kingdom.
The sold-out event will take place on Friday 8th December at the Landmark Hotel in London.
Here we introduce to you the 12 inspirational finalists for 2023.
Alex Richardson Achiever of the Year
Sponsored by Slater and Gordon Solicitors
This award celebrates the outstanding determination, strength, and courage of brain injury survivors.
Stef Harvey
"Sustaining a traumatic brain injury turned my life inside out, stamped on it and rolled over it with a steam roller, as well as the lives of my family who relied on me,"
Stef Harvey is a brain injury survivor who has been nominated for her determination to overcome adversity.
Graham Hill
“I can't believe I've been nominated, never mind being a finalist! I just try to stay positive. My journey's the same as everybody else's. We are all survivors; the only failure is if we don't try.”
Graham has been nominated for being ‘the trailblazer he is,’ promoting inclusivity and accessibility wherever he goes.
David Jenkins
"To find out I was a finalist for the Headway annual awards was amazing news for me. I felt a huge sense of pride. It was also humbling, as my voluntary work seems natural to me.”
David has been nominated for his incredible attitude and achievements since being left with a life-changing brain injury.
Carer of the Year
Sponsored by Hugh James
This award celebrates the outstanding care and support given to someone with a brain injury.
Lisa Baker
“I'm still shocked I've made it to the finals of the Headway Awards – it’s a massive shock!”
Lisa has been recognised for her commitment to caring for her partner Nick Blackwell, former British boxing champion, and other family members, while also helping to raise the profile of brain injury.
Caroline Cook
"I feel honoured to be in the final. My son and I have been with Headway East Lothian for 19 years, and it's a group I have always felt supported in.”
Caroline has spent her life fighting for people with brain injuries, including her son, Steven, who sustained a brain injury following treatment for childhood cancer.
Sally Hylands
“I feel very humbled and very honoured to be nominated, but I think it’s not about me; it’s about all these people who have suddenly been thrust into this role of carer, where the family dynamics have changed, overnight in our case.”
Sally has been an active member of the HSX Eastbourne Support Group since she joined it in 2002 and uses her personal experience of brain injury to help others.
Volunteer of the Year
Sponsored by Anthony Gold Solicitors LLP
This award celebrates the outstanding contribution of an individual to Headway in their community.
John Marriage
“To be nominated is a wonderful experience and a testament to my fellow Trustees and the staff and clients at Headway Basingstoke, with whom it is my great privilege to work.”
For over a decade, John has volunteered for local brain injury charity Headway Basingstoke, going above and beyond to improve the lives of brain injury survivors.
Stephen Thomas
“I am privileged and happy to have acknowledgement for the work I do. I only want to help the clients achieve the steps, big or small, towards their recovery and to return the help I received from Headway after my injuries.”
Steve is a double brain injury survivor who is being recognised for his commitment to helping others with brain injuries and people struggling within the community.
Joy Walsh
“We are very much a team of volunteers at Headway Derby, but I was speechless, somewhat overwhelmed, tearful, humbled, very flattered and very excited all at the same time to be nominated.”
Joy is a ‘determined person who always strives to achieve the best possible outcomes for brain injury survivors and their families.
Stephen McAleese Outstanding Contribution to Headway
Sponsored by No5 Barristers Chambers
This award celebrates the outstanding contributions to the work of Headway made by survivors, carers, volunteers and supporters over an extended period.
Paul Cadwallader
"The goal of the bike ride was to celebrate the lives of the amazing Harley and Chloe while raising funds for Headway because it supports people with acquired brain injuries and their loved ones."
Paul Cadwallader, along with his brother Matthew and friends Adam Bagnall, Andrew Evans and Craig Scott, organised a monumental group bike ride in memory of two teenagers who tragically lost their lives.
Ron Payne
"Headway introduced me to many new friends and an all-new family. It now helps to give me more direction in life and do something in memory of Heather by trying to help those with brain injuries to live their best lives.”
Ron became involved with Headway after his late wife Heather sustained a traumatic brain injury in 2001. Ever since, he has shown incredible dedication to improving the lives of local brain injury survivors while also being Heather's carer for many years.
Judy Tilbury
"I'm absolutely amazed to be nominated for this national award. I just love helping people. All this is in memory of Mathew and my husband."
Judy is a fundraiser whose unwavering dedication has made an incredible difference to the lives of brain injury survivors.
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