‘Inspirational’ Sandy is named Carer of the Year

02 December 2011

A Lincolnshire woman who rebuilt her life following brain injury only to go on to show incredible love and devotion in caring for her terminally ill husband has won a national award.

Sandy Allis, from Coningsby, has been named Carer of the Year in the annual awards run by Headway - the brain injury association. Sandy, who beat-off competition from across the UK, was presented with the award at a glittering ceremony held at London's Dorchester Hotel on Friday 2 December. Another Lincolnshire lady, Mary Read, was a finalist in Campaigner category.

Sandy's story is one of incredible devotion and courage. Back in 1995, Sandy was involved in a road traffic incident when a 20-tonne lorry smashed into her car while she was on the way to work at RAF Cottesmore. Sandy was rushed to hospital where doctors placed her in an induced coma to help ease the swelling of her brain and she remained in intensive care for several weeks.

Sandy came through the ordeal, but had been left with a brain injury that led to emotional and behavioural changes. Her confidence was severely affected, making life - and in particular work - very difficult.

Life improved for Sandy when she began to attend Headway Lincolnshire, part of the national charity that works to improve life after brain injury. Here, Sandy found the support she was looking for and, as her own recovery took shape, she began to support other members of the group while raising awareness of the charity.

It was while fronting a Headway information stand at an air show at RAF Waddington that Sandy met up with an old work colleague, Jez Allis. The couple had known each other in a professional capacity for several years, but when they met again at the air show, Jez reported that he'd just had a brain tumour removed. Jez and his wife had received no help or support in dealing with the aftermath of the tumour removal, but Sandy was able to provide information and support to them both.

On Sandy's recommendation, the couple began attending Headway support meetings, which Jez continued to attend after his marriage ended. Sadly, in June 2007 a scan revealed that Jez's tumour had returned and he had to begin a course of chemotherapy. Sandy was a tremendous support to him during this trying and painful time and they began to grow closer and closer. Love then blossomed and the couple married in August 2008.

Jez was still receiving treatment at the time and was undergoing chemotherapy until a week before the wedding.
Married life was going well for Jez and Sandy until just after their first anniversary when an MRI scan revealed Jez's tumour was bleeding. Two months later, he had another operation to remove the tumour, but the health problems continued.

Jez contracted a bladder infection and pneumonia and was seriously ill, fighting for his life for several months. Sandy was by his side the whole time and when he eventually woke up, she asked him if she knew who she was. He did, but he thought the couple were just friends, stating that he didn't believe they were married. It was at this time that Jez told Sandy that he would understand if she wanted to walk away because it was too hard; Sandy, however, wouldn't entertain the notion for a second.

Instead, she showed Jez their wedding photos and the memories gradually returned. The couple renewed their vows in September 2010 so that Jez would have a memory of their wedding.

Tragically, Jez continued to deteriorate over the following months and further scans revealed nothing more could be done to help him. With great courage, determination and strength, Sandy cared for Jez at home until he passed away on 9 April this year.
Sandy was presented with her award by Beverley Turner, wife of double Olympic gold medallist James Cracknell, who sustained a brain injury in 2010, and Peter McCabe, Chief Executive of Headway - the brain injury association.

"Sandy's story has touched us all," said Peter McCabe. "She demonstrated huge amounts of strength, courage and determination in rebuilding her life following her own brain injury. As soon as she was able, she began helping other people similarly affected, demonstrating her caring nature.

"It is impossible to image how hard it must have been for Sandy to lose Jez so soon after they had found each other. She was constantly by his side, caring for him and providing comfort and not once did that love or support wane - even when Jez's memory failed and he couldn't recall their wedding.

"Sandy is a very special woman and hugely deserving of this recognition."

The Headway Annual Awards celebrate the outstanding achievements and contributions of people with brain injuries and those working to support them.

Other winners collecting their awards at The Dorchester Hotel in London were Bruce Galleway, from Essex (Volunteer of the Year), Michelle Coulson from Aberdeen (Campaigner of the Year), Max Muteliso from Leeds (Achiever of the Year), and Norman Keen from London (The Stephen McAleese Outstanding Contribution to Headway Award).