Jan Hampson, 53, from Dinas Powys, near Cardiff, is one of just three people from across the UK to be named a finalist for the Alex Richardson Achiever of the Year Award – sponsored by by Slater & Gordon Lawyers.
The accolade will be presented at a ceremony organised by Headway – the brain injury association, in London on Friday, 16 December.
In 2011, Jan was diagnosed with Chiari Malformation, which causes the lowest part of the back of the brain to extend into the spinal canal. This puts pressure on the brainstem, spinal cord, and obstruct the flow of fluid in the skull. If it was left unchecked it could have resulted in paralysis.
She underwent surgery to remove part of the skull at the back of her head and release the pressure on the brain – helping to re-start the flow of fluid down the spinal cord and alleviate the condition.
She said: “The first operation went well although complications meant three further operations were needed and I spent 41 days in the High Dependency Unit and on general wards. During the operation, I suffered a bleed and subdural haematoma and needless to say this was an extremely fraught time.”
Jan embarked upon a slow, uphill journey to recovery, but she refused to give up and with the help of her local Headway Group – Headway Cardiff, she is still rebuilding her life.
Following the operation, she sadly lost almost everything that she enjoyed from her pervious active lifestyle.
She said: “I had a very active and rewarding outgoing lifestyle before the operation. I loved cycling, rock climbing, caving, scuba diving, sea kayaking and motorcycling – amongst other things – these took up almost every minute of my spare time.
‘’My life has changed and it has devastated my family's life and changed it forever but we make the best of things. I am still here and we do what we can.”
Jan was nominated in the awards for her work setting up a social group called Brainy Friends. The service user lead group gives people with acquired brain injuries a further place to socialise and support one another away from Headway Cardiff. It has gone from strength to strength and now meets on a monthly basis with up to 17 people attending.
Jan said: “I felt there was room for more social occasions in addition to that provided by Headway Cardiff and it seemed like a good way to spend time with the new friends I had made there. I know of our daily struggles and that it can be very isolating. So when we are together we can be ourselves without being judged.
“We meet once a month at disabled friendly places for wheelchairs and mobility scooters or go for a walk, eat and drink coffee. Sometimes we chat and play a games.”
Jan said she was shocked to be shortlisted for the award. She said: “It’s a real honour and I’m gobsmacked to be honest. I just love doing it and seeing my friends having so much fun makes me so happy.”
Jan has been nominated by her friend and Headway Cardiff, Chief Executive, Rebecca Pearce.
She said: “When you get to know Jan, you realise that if you were to pick a friend, she is exactly the sort of friend you would want – very plain spoken and honest, she tells you how it really is, but is also incredibly loyal and caring.
“She’s very brave as well. She has experienced so much change and has to endure so much uncertainty. I know she struggles and she’s frightened but I’ve never heard her self-pitiful and she still has room for so much caring for others.
“Jan is wonderful at making newcomers feel at home, providing a listening ear, giving no nonsense advice and providing steadfast friendship. We are delighted that she has set up this group which helps friendships develop beyond our centre.”
The Alex Richardson Achiever of the Year award is named after a University of St. Andrews student who tragically passed away following a brain injury at the tender age of 21. Alex's family have since been invaluable supporters of Headway, dedicating their time to raise vital funds for brain injury survivors around the UK.
Each year, Headway Annual Awards celebrates the exceptional efforts of survivors of brain injury and their carers. Jan will discover if she is to be named Alex Richardson Achiever of the Year at a glittering ceremony at The Dorchester Hotel, in London, on Friday 16 December. Awards for Volunteer and Carer of the Year will also be presented, alongside the Stephen McAleese Outstanding Contribution to Headway Award.
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