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Heather Beaumont, 55 and from Carrickfergus was crowned Carer of the Year at the Headway Annual Awards ceremony held at The Dorchester Hotel, in London, on Friday 16 December.
Heather will be presented with her award by double-Olympic gold medallist and Headway Vice President James Cracknell.
The award recognises Heather’s ongoing care for her husband Gary. In November 2013, Gary suffered a near-fatal brain haemorrhage in his sleep. Defying medically odds, Gary regained consciousness albeit at a low level.
Heather was informed by doctors that there was limited brain functionality and Gary would be unable to communicate or express his wishes. However, through eye contact alone, Gary is able to communicate with his wife and continues to make slow but definite improvements.
Now a member of Headway Ballymena, Heather is devoted to caring for her husband, taking a hands-on approach to delivering Gary's care as her husband's voice and advocate.
Three years on, Heather continues to visit Gary at the hospital every day, and now is adapting their home with hopes that Gary will finally be able to return in time for Christmas.
The national awards ceremony celebrates the inspirational achievements of survivors of brain injury and their carers in the face of adversity, as well as the outstanding contributions individuals have made to the charity.
Peter McCabe, Chief Executive of Headway, said: "Heather has shown incredible devotion to Gary. She has selflessly cast aside her own ambitions and life to devote her energies to caring for him and giving her loved one the best possible chance of a life after brain injury.
"The courage and unwavering support Heather has shown, battling through some extremely difficult times along the way, is outstanding. She is a worthy winner of this award.”
The Headway Annual Awards celebrate the exceptional efforts of survivors of brain injury and those caring for them.
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