Kirsty Offord

Ten years ago, while training for a charity bike ride across Cuba, Kirsty Offord was struck by a car. The accident left her with a brain injury that changed her life. She gradually began her road to recovery, aided by Headway Nottingham, part of the national charity that helps people rebuild their lives after suffering brain injuries.

Now 33-years-old, Kirsty is registered disabled and suffers from balance problems, fatigue, headaches, lack of concentration, short-term memory loss and has poor spatial awareness. Despite this, in February 2007 Kirsty achieved her dream of cycling across Cuba in order to raise money for Headway.

Supported by a group of 25 fellow cyclists who quickly learnt to flank her when she slowed down due to her balance issues, Kirsty rode an impressive 250 miles in just five days in intense heat and on uneven terrain.

Kirsty is passionate about raising awareness of brain injury. It is often hidden but has devastating effects and can affect anyone at any time. She is also determined to promote the use of cycle helmets. If she hadn't been wearing one at the time of her accident, the doctors treating her believe she would most certainly have died.

Kirsty's incredible achievement of cycling across Cuba despite her disabilities have resulted in her being named Achiever of the Year in the Headway Annual Awards 2007, which were announced in December 2007. She is living proof that not only can people with brain injuries achieve incredible feats, but also that cycle helmets save lives.

Kirsty has appeared on BBC Radio Nottingham and BBC television news programme East Midlands Today, as well as being feature in the Nottingham Evening Post and The Sun newspapers.