Ron Payne, 80, from West Woodburn, Hexham, became involved with Headway after his late wife Heather sustained a traumatic brain injury in 2001.
Ever since, Ron has shown incredible dedication to improving the lives of local brain injury survivors while also being Heather's carer for many years. Sadly, Heather passed away five years ago, but Ron's passion for helping others has not wavered.
He's currently the Chair of Headway Northumberland, a local charity which helps people living with brain injuries and their loved ones.
Ron was nominated for the award by Julie Cordon from Headway Northumberland. She said: “Ron is a legend in Northeast Headway circles. He is the recognised epitome of fairness, kindness, and empathy. He is incredibly well respected, and Ron has no intention of giving up, even at 80.”
Ron helped establish Headway Tynedale in 2008 and, at times, ran the group single-handedly, representing it regionally and nationally and running a weekly drop-in for its members.
In 2018, he also assisted in merging Tynedale and three other branches to form Headway Northumberland. This was on top of his caring role for Heather and the daily challenges and emotional toll of caring for a loved one.
He has also held other vital roles at Headway over the years and was successful in realising his dream to see the establishment of Look Ahead in the North. The annual residential activity weekend sees brain injury survivors and their loved ones enjoy fun activities at the Calvert Trust in Kielder Forest.
These achievements and more have led to Ron becoming one of just three finalists 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 Landmark London hotel.
Ron said:
"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. This nomination indicates some success in that effort. Thank you, Headway."
Julie Added: "Ron's beloved wife’s severe brain injury left her entirely dependent on him.
Eventually, a team of 24-hour support workers and carers supported the couple in their home. However, Ron always took the lead and not only provided Heather with the practical care she needed but, as was clear for anyone who saw the couple together, he ensured she felt loved and special, like the wonderful person she was.
He has first-hand, lived experience of caring for a family member with a severe acquired brain injury over a long period, and that's what makes Ron such a perfect volunteer, Trustee and leader of our Headway Group.
Nothing he does is done for the glory or the kudos. It is genuinely done to support people who have survived brain injuries.
Look Ahead in the North is Ron's legacy and will be forever associated with him. It has gone from strength to strength over the years, has survived the pandemic, and has come out stronger. Ron still attends and plays an active role; however difficult it continues to be for him without Heather.
At 80 years young, Ron's glowing reputation in Northumberland is at its height. His work and achievements are staggering and exemplary and he’s far from finished yet. On top of all this, Ron is a thoroughly nice person, a true gentleman, making being involved with Headway a real pleasure and a privilege."
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