Natalie Parr, 42, is one of only three people from across the UK competing for the title of Achiever of the Year in the Annual Awards run by Headway – the brain injury association, the national charity that works to improve life after brain injury.
Natalie sustained her brain injury in 2002 after contracting Guillian Bar Syndrome – a disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks part of the peripheral nervous system and starves the brain of oxygen.
Natalie spent 11 months in hospital and needed another five years of neurological rehabilitation.
At the age of 25, she went from working, walking, having adventures, driving and eating to being paralysed from the chest down, unable to return to work, confined to a motorised wheelchair and tube fed.
Life changed dramatically for Natalie and her family, and she had to make many adjustments to her lifestyle. But her zest and motivation for enjoying life have never diminished.
This year Natalie undertook her Duke of Edinburgh Diamond Award. Having completed her bronze, silver and gold awards in the 90s, she wanted to prove to herself that she was still the same adventurous person as before, just a little different.
Natalie decided the theme for her diamond challenge was to ‘Aim High’ - to challenge herself to see where she could go in her wheelchair. It took a lot of research, commitment and organisation to be able to complete the climbs using skills Natalie relearned after her injury.
She spent the year going up as many high places as possible, including Blackpool Tower, the Shard, London Eye, the Orbit, O2, Tower Bridge and Spinnaker Tower.
Having climbed Mount Snowdon for her Gold DofE, she felt it was right to go back up. This time she had to do it differently, but getting to the top again was emotional.
She said: "To feel the wind on my face and the incredible mountain air was amazing. I experienced that huge sense of achievement all over again."
Natalie first attended Headway Coventry & Warwickshire in 2012 as a member of the support group. She soon became an integral part of the team as she grew in confidence and began encouraging other members to take part in activities.
As part of her rehabilitation Natalie became interested in craft activities to help with her hand eye co-ordination and upper body movement. She is now the queen of all things glittery and sparkly she loves nothing more than organising and leading her fellow members in a craft activity.
When Headway Coventry & Warwickshire faced funding issues, it was Natalie's idea to create Christmas cards to raise money, a process that has now become an annual Headway tradition.
Even when Natalie was no longer able make the cards without experiencing pain, she enlisted the support of students at the University of Warwick to make sure funds would continue to be raised. A local business even offered a year's sponsorship, after receiving one of Natalie's cards.
Natalie is always creating activities to help her fellow members, such as introducing cooking lessons. Although she cannot taste or smell the food herself, she enjoys watching the others members, smelling the food cooking and listening to the members describe the tastes and textures.
Natalie records what happens every week at the support group and keeps a yearly scrapbook of events and activities which is a great memory prompt for members of the group.
Janet Sewell, a volunteer at the charity who nominated Natalie said: "Nat constantly encourages others to do things, to get them out and to enjoy life.
"She always says that there are lots of things she can no longer do, but one thing she can still do and give to others is her time.
"She has given so much time and inspiration to Headway Coventry and Warwickshire and its members and we feel that for this and for her amazing achievement in completing her Diamond DofE challenge that she thoroughly deserves this award."
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. Natalie 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, 8 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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