Sue Hawkins, 70 and from Canterbury, is one of just three finalists to be chosen from across the UK in this year's national brain injury awards, hosted by Headway – the brain injury association, for the Stephen McAleese Outstanding Contribution to Headway Award.
The accolade, named after a young man who tragically passed away after battling back from a brain injury, will be presented by Stephen's parents and double Olympic gold medallist James Cracknell at a ceremony in London hosted by Headway – the brain injury association.
It was the day after Sue's 46th birthday when she suffered a near-fatal brain haemorrhage in 1993 that left her unable to speak or walk.
Having spent 16 months in hospital, Sue was finally well enough to go home, but even then she had to use a walking frame to move around for a further two years as she relearned to walk independently after her brain injury.
Sue was eventually persuaded by family to attend a support session at Headway East Kent, a local brain injury charity that helped her rebuild her mobility, speech, and other skills she lost after her haemorrhage such as using a computer.
In 2006, Sue asked to become a volunteer at the charity and she has never looked back. From making jams and knitting hats and baby clothes for charity fundraisers to providing hands on support for brain injury survivors and their families – Sue's voluntary work has been indispensible.
Having relearned how to cook after brain injury, Sue would often organise dinner for groups of 18 members, with apple and blackberry pies being a particular favourite.
After a decade of voluntary service, Sue this year made the difficult decision to retire, but even now she still helps out once a month at Headway East Kent.
"I'm absolutely thrilled and still cannot believe I've been shortlisted for such a prestigious award," said Sue.
"My mum and dad were brilliant in the early days of my recovery. They came to see me every day and pushed me around the hospital in my wheelchair, but more support was needed.
"Becoming a member of Headway East Kent was the best thing that could have happened to me. At first, I was very reluctant to attend the charity's sessions and felt I was in a very different state to the other members with brain injuries.
"The group's Chair came to see me and supported me in attending sessions once a week. There are no words to explain what the charity has done for me and volunteering has been my way of saying 'thank you'.
"To see the charity grow from a small portacabin at Canterbury Hospital to a network of support and day centres across East Kent is very special.
"I felt it was time to step back from volunteering, but I still find myself popping in once a month to help out with various bits and Headway will be a big part of my life for years to come."
Sue was nominated by Linda Kerley, Manager of Headway East Kent.
"Sue is a truly special lady," said Linda. "Not only is Sue single-handedly responsible for monitoring our membership and running the Headway East Kent lottery, but she is also constantly doing round trips of her neighbours to collect items and donations for our centres and fundraising days.
"Although we wish her very well in her decision to retire, she will be sadly missed and she will always be part of our Headway family."
Each year, the Headway Annual Awards celebrate the exceptional efforts of survivors of brain injury, and those caring for and supporting them. In addition the Stephen McAleese Outstanding Contribution to Headway Award, sponsored by No.5 Chambers law firm, awards for Carer, Volunteer and Achiever of the Year will also be presented.
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