Sandy Johnston, 82, was awarded the Volunteer of the Year award sponsored by Anthony Gold Solicitors at the Headway Annual Awards.
The glittering awards ceremony was held at London’s Dorchester Hotel on Friday 8 December.
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.
Sandy was presented with his award by double Olympic gold medallist James Cracknell, who is Vice President of the charity.
Sandy started volunteering with Headway Basingstoke after his son Daniel sustained a severe brain injury when he was left for dead by a hit-and-run driver.
Daniel was later referred to the charity for help with his rehabilitation. Sandy was then asked whether he would like to volunteering with them and he never looked back.
For the past two decades, Sandy has donated thousands of hours to Headway Basingstoke, and has taken on every job going.
He motivates clients to engage in their rehab activities, mediates when an individual's behaviour becomes challenging and supports men who have lost their network of friends and struggle to talk to female staff. He is always involved with helping and takes people on trips to the garden centre and the swimming pool, activities they would not be able to enjoy if it wasn't for his generosity.
He has even been known to put on a silly outfit or two to help the charity raise funds, from a maid's pinafore to a Christmas elf costume.
Peter McCabe, Chief Executive of Headway, said: "Sandy's dedication to Headway Basingstoke and his support of the service users is truly invaluable.
"To spend two decades selflessly volunteering for the charity is nothing short of exceptional. No doubt the lives of numerous brain injury survivors are richer thanks to Sandy.
"His willingness to take on any job that's asked of him makes him the perfect volunteer and he is truly deserving of this award."
It is with much sadness that we have to report that Sandy suddenly and unexpectedly passed away in early 2018.
Sandy's family would like people to know that even being nominated for the Volunteer of the Year Award was an honour, and to win was humbling. He had the most fantastic day at The Dorchester for which they will be forever grateful, and express massive thanks to Headway for giving him such an accolade.
Nominate someone special
Do you know someone who has defied their brain injury to achieve a great milestone this year? Or perhaps you know someone that often goes above and beyond when caring for someone with a brain injury? Or maybe you know of a long-standing Headway volunteer who is overdue public recognition and thanks?
Nominate them for a Headway Award today!
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