Norma Williams, 73, is one of just three people from across the UK who will be named a national finalist by Headway – the brain injury association, for the Stephen McAleese Outstanding Contribution to Headway Award.
The nomination recognises Norma’s dedication to assisting brain injury survivors in their recovery for more than a decade for the charity's Headway Gloucestershire group.
Norma spent her entire adult life caring for her son, Gareth, who was born with Down's Syndrome and has profound learning disabilities. His difficulties are profound and much of Norma's life has revolved around him.
However, after seeing an advertisement she decided it was wonderful opportunity to give back something to a community that had supported her in the past and decided to sign up.
She has supported staff, volunteers and survivors through all the changes and challenges Headway Gloucestershire has encountered.
Between 2007 and 2013, Norma was also a trustee of the group and gave even more of her time to safeguard them and steer them towards ongoing development.
Norma said she was delighted to be shortlisted for the award, which is sponsored by sponsored by No5 Chambers, but said being part of such a wonderful group was an honour in itself.
She said: “When I think of Headway Gloucestershire, I just think of the words friendship, support and encouragement, because that is the culture that is beating at the heart of the group.
“I’m very proud to be part of it and it is very satisfying to have seen it grow from a very small charity that met in a Portakabin to what we are today –with our own building which houses a woodwork workshop, art and pottery room, lifeskills kitchen, computer room and much more. We can now offer so much more to the survivors that we work with and I am excited to be part of that.”
“Looking after my soon Gareth really opened my eyes to the reality and hardship some families have to endure. Life can be very hard for some people, volunteering at Headway Gloucestershire and being part of that big family there has been very rewarding. I’m just thankful to have found it.”
Norma was nominated by Ali Hendley, Manager of Headway Gloucestershire. She describe her as ‘every kind of fabulous’ and paid tribute to her dedication.
She said: “Norma is one of those people who always has her finger on the pulse. She remembers everyone's birthday and can spot an opportunity to involve new members at the charity in the blink of an eye.
“She exudes positivity and she moves seamlessly between staff, volunteers, survivors and their families - knitting them together into a community.”
Ali said that Norma was universally popular at the group and had a quiet way of someone who spends more time in the background, thinking of others.
She said: “She supports survivors to make Headway their own, and use it as they need in their long term recovery. Nothing is too much trouble. Her commitment is legendary - even when she broke her elbow she came in to support others. Norma is every kind of fabulous.”
Each year, Headway Annual Awards celebrates the exceptional efforts of survivors of brain injury and their carers. Norma will discover if she is to be named Volunteer of the Year at a glittering ceremony at The Dorchester Hotel, in London, on Friday 16 December.
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