Geoffrey Knight, 75, is one of just three people from across the UK to be recognised at a national awards ceremony for The Stephen McAleese Outstanding Contribution to Headway Award for volunteering more than 20 years of service to local brain injury charity, Headway Suffolk.
Geoffrey has been an ever present support for many families across the county who are coming to terms with the devastating consequences of a brain injury.
He has been a Trustee and Treasurer of Headway Suffolk since 2000, overseeing its accounts and offering a constant source of support to make sure it remains stable.
Away from finances, Geoffrey has always been keen to offer support in any way he can, this has included helping to teach swimming, drive the charity’s minibus, help fundraise, and of course, be a listening ear to service members and their families.
Sadly, Geoff, who lives in Ipswich, has decided the time is right to retire from helping the charity.
Headway Suffolk service user Jim Brown sustained a brain injury as a result of someone opening their car door and knocking him off of his bike. He said Geoffrey will be sadly missed.
He said: “Geoff has helped us so much and is always happy to talk things over or just be there to listen. He also plays a good game of chess. We will really miss him and hope he wins the award.”
Helen Fairweather, Chief Executive of Headway Suffolk, nominated Geoffrey for the award, which is named in loving memory of a brave man who defied a brain injury to help others affected before he sadly passed away. She said that Geoffrey deserved the recognition.
She said: “Geoff is a very special man; he has volunteered for Headway Suffolk for over 20 years. He has done this simply because he cares about others and not for any personal gain.”
Geoffrey said he was very pleased and proud to be shortlisted for the national award, which is Sponsored by Slater & Gordon Lawyers.
He said: “It has come as a bit of a shock but I’m very flattered. It has been wonderful to see the charity grow over time and it has been very rewarding to be part of something that genuinely helps people tackle such adversity.”
Geoffrey said his favourite thing about volunteering at the charity was hearing everyone’s stories and watching how, with the right support, people can slowly rebuild their lives.
He said: “I like to really find out about the people who we support, once you know their stories, you can understand how best to support them and get the best out of them.
“I have seen firsthand, over the years, how important Headway is to the people and families it supports. When someone suffers a brain injury it can have a devastating effect on them and their close network of family and friends.
“Often, when we first meet them they are very low on confidence but with time, with the right support and atmosphere, you see their self-esteem recover – that is great thing to be part of.”
Geoffrey said helping the charity stay financial stable was also a source of pride.
"You have to be very diligent and make sure to concentrate on everything – every small detail. If you don’t do figures – they end up doing you!"
Each year, the Headway Annual Awards celebrate the exceptional efforts of survivors of brain injury, and those caring for and supporting them.
The Stephen McAleese Outstanding Contribution to Headway Award will be presented at a glittering ceremony in The Dorchester Hotel, London, on Friday, 8 December. Awards for Carer, Volunteer and Achiever of the Year will also be presented.
