Awards for Carer, Volunteer and Alex Richardson Achiever of the Year, along with The Stephen McAleese for Outstanding Contribution to Headway Award, recognise the outstanding achievements and contributions individuals and have made to the charity on a local and national level.
Peter McCabe, Chief Executive of Headway, said: "Seeing these twelve incredible people take to the stage to be recognised for their achievements is a fantastic way to end the year.
"The Headway Awards luncheon illustrates what can be achieved by individuals and carers who are representative of hundreds of others across the UK working hard to improve life after brain injury. Their truly remarkable life accomplishments reside at the heart of the day.
"Thanks and congratulations go to all our wonderful finalists, their families and nominators for helping to show there can be life after brain injury."
The Alex Richardson Achiever of the Year
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Michael Mabon, from Ayrshire, was first up to claim the Achiever of the Year award, which was presented James Cracknell, Vice President of the national charity, along with a special commemorative plate.
A vicious unprovoked attack just yards from his new home in Swansea left Michael with a life-changing traumatic brain injury that put paid to his hopes of becoming a nurse.
On returning home to Scotland, Michael began to rebuild his life. Battling against fatigue and social isolation, he has achieved great things including completing college courses and he is currently at university studying for a degree in art. Michael is also a passionate supporter of and fundraiser for Headway Ayrshire, which provided him with invaluable support.
Joining Michael as finalists in the Achiever category were Lucy Thurlow from Headway Hertfordshire, and Jan Hampson, from Headway Cardiff.
Carer of the Year
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The Carer of the Year award went to Heather Beaumont, from Headway Ballymena.
In November 2013, Heather's husband 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. Through eye contact alone, Gary is able to communicate with his wife and continues to make slow but definite improvements.
Three years later, Heather continues to visit Gary in hospital every day, working tirelessly to adapt their home and even completing training courses to take a hands-on approach when delivering Gary's care as her husband's voice and advocate.
Now members of Headway Ballymena, the couple recently celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary and Heather remains devoted to caring for her husband. She is currently making the final adjustments to their home with hopes that Gary will finally be able to return home in the New Year.
Heather's fellow finalists were Gail Lucas, from Headway Gloucestershire, and Janet Malcolm, from Edinburgh Headway.
Volunteer of the Year
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Pamela Bell, from Headway in Northern Ireland, claimed the title of Volunteer of the Year.
Pamela’s positivity has been hailed inspirational by Headway members across Northern Ireland who have benefited from her drama therapy sessions.
After seeing first-hand the devastating impact brain injury can have upon individuals and their families, Pamela did not hesitate to offer her skills for free, without consideration of travel time or costs.
Pamela is passionate about what she does and has been praised as an invaluable asset for her exceptional talent of inspiring confidence and encouraging even the shyest characters to engage in group activities.
Joining Pamela on stage in the Volunteer category was Headway North Northumberland's Lesley Stephenson and Ruth Wright from Headway Derby.
Stephen McAleese Outstanding Contribution to Headway Award
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The final award to be presented was The Stephen McAleese Outstanding Contribution to Headway Award, named in loving memory of a brave man who defied a brain injury to help others affected. It was awarded to Jane Reams to recognise more than two decades of dedicated support with Headway Lincolnshire.
For more than 23 years, Jane has been a vital and ever-present support for many families across Lincolnshire who are coming to terms with the devastating consequences of a brain injury.
She has also provided invaluable advice and expertise to Headway Lincolnshire, joining the board as a trustee in 2010.
With her guidance, the branch developed into a group that continues to flourish, thanks in part to her willingness to draft funding applications, support the monthly support groups and organise fundraising events.
In addition, Jane uses her experience to work with local clinicians to raise awareness and understanding of brain injury, running training days for professionals, brain injury survivors and their families.
Sue Hawkins, from Headway East Kent, and Norma Williams, from Headway Gloucestershire, were also honoured as worthy finalists.
Huge congratulations to twelve truly special people!
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