The award recognises a monumental group bike ride organised this year by Stourbridge man Paul Cadwallader in memory of two teenagers who tragically lost their lives.
On December 2, 2022, while travelling on the M6 motorway to a concert, Chloe Williams's life was tragically cut short when the car she was in was struck by a large vehicle from behind.
She was cut from the car and rushed to hospital, but Chloe sustained a brain injury and tragically passed away later that evening at just 19 years old.
Remembered as a "hardworking and dedicated" young woman, Chloe dreamed of becoming an air hostess and accomplished her goal in August 2022 when she received her wings with British Airways.
In a separate incident, 16-year-old Harley Barnbrook, who "loved riding his bike and had a passion for football," also sadly lost his life in February 2022.
Harley was diagnosed with asthma at a young age, and tragically, one day, after finishing his lunch and feeling unwell, he collapsed and went into cardiac arrest.
Despite the best efforts of his friends and paramedics, Harley was without oxygen for too long, resulting in hypoxia and brain death. He was taken to Russell's Hall Hospital, where he peacefully passed away on February 18.
Harley had a strong bond with his mother, Kelly, who considered him not only her son but also her best friend.
Earlier this year, in an incredible group effort, Paul, along with his brother Matthew and friends Adam Bagnall, Andrew Evans and Craig Scott, challenged themselves in tribute to the much-missed teens.
Chloe was a cousin of Paul and Matthew, and Harley's mum is a family friend and long-time supporter of local brain injury charity Headway Black Country.
So, Paul and his group undertook the famous 1050-mile bike ride from Lands' End to John O'Groats – in just 12 days. In an impressive feat of endurance and determination, the team covered an average of 90 miles every day.
The cycling team's initial objective was to raise £4000, but they far exceeded this, raising closer to £18,000 for Headway Black Country.
Paul said: "We were so overwhelmed with the support we received on our Lands' End to John O'Groats trip. It totally blew us away how much attention it got.
To us, we were just five lads ticking something off our bucket list as cyclists while raising as much money as we could for Headway Black Country.
What we did was an amazing achievement, but in our eyes, it was all about Harley and Chloe. Their tragic stories were the reason people supported us as much as they did, and if either one of them would have survived, I know Headway would have been there for them."
As a result, the cycling team, represented by Paul, are up for the Stephen McAleese Outstanding Contribution to Headway Award.
The accolade, sponsored by No5 Barristers Chambers, will be presented by Headway – the brain injury association, at its glittering awards ceremony on December 8 at the London Landmark hotel.
Jayne Emery is the CEO of Headway Black Country, which offers support, services and information for brain injury survivors in the region.
She and her team have nominated Paul for the award to represent his group and recognise their incredible achievement.
Jayne said: "The sudden loss of Harley and Chloe deeply affected their families, friends, and loved ones.
"After a few months, their families felt ready to talk about their passing and Paul and his friends came up with the idea of a fundraising bike ride in their memory.
"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.
"The commitment, determination, and compassion of Paul and his friends Andy, Craig, Matt, and Adam have made a positive impact on the lives of those affected by acquired brain injury. They have exemplified the spirit of community and advocacy, making them deserving candidates for the Headway Award."Back
