Simon Hales was the guest of honour at the launch of Headway – the brain injury association’s charity shop in Market Square, Oakham.
Simon, 27, sustained his brain injury after falling from a wall on a night out, while studying at Newcastle University in 2009. The fall left him with a number of problems including chronic fatigue, memory loss and sleep issues. Simon has spent the last seven years rebuilding his life and now works at Manor Farm Foods, Owston, and is preparing to move into his own house.
As a thank you to Headway for its support and guidance, Simon cut the ribbon at the grand opening of Headway's new Oakham shop, on Thursday, June 29 at 10:30am.
Simon said: "I'm really grateful for all the help Headway has given me and my family since my accident, I wanted to open the shop as a way of giving something back.
"I hope that having a shop in Oakham will help raise funds to help survivors like me, as well as raising awareness of brain injury in the local area."
Simon's mum Jane has received support from Headway over the years and became a trustee for the charity in 2012. This year she ran the London Marathon and raised £4,000 for the charity.
She said: "Headway does such excellent work supporting not only brain injury survivors, but their families and carers. For some people it's a real life-line.
"I think it's fantastic the people of Oakham will be able to come into the shop and raise vital funds which will go towards continuing that support."
Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Rutland, Ed Burrows, has known Simon and Jane for 14 years and also attended the grand opening.
He said: "They are such a strong family and I know Headway has done so much for them.
"It is lovely that by having this new shop, the people of Rutland will be able to support this important charity."
Jo Plant, Director of Fundraising at Headway, thanked Simon and his family for their support.
She said: “We are delighted that Simon and Jane helped us officially open our new Oakham shop.
"Brain injury can devastate lives, and it can happen to anyone, at any time.
"Simon is proof that with the right support there can be life after brain injury. He is a wonderful young man and it will be an honour to have him there.
"Like all the Headway shops, the Oakham store will rely entirely on stock donations from the general public so we would be very grateful if people could bring along any unwanted items that may be cluttering their closets.”
Anyone interested in volunteering or donating stock can visit the shop on 2 Market Place, Oakham or call shop manager James Taylor on 01572 723213.
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