Improving life after brain injury Need to talk? 0808 800 2244

Join
Home About brain injury Individuals Brain injury and me

A simple solution

Share your story with us to help others affected by brain injury

A simple solution

A simple solution

Now if I need it, I have my card
Watch the story

Dom Hurley had dreams of becoming an Olympic athlete when he came off a moped in Cyprus in 1994.

The 21-year-old sustained a brain injury in the crash and was left with slurred speech, walking difficulties and memory problems.

Since then he has been arrested three times for being drunk and disorderly, when police mistook the effects of his brain injury for drunken behaviour.

He said: "Once I was in a taxi with my cousin when the taxi driver suddenly stopped and told us to get out. When I didn't, I was arrested by the police.

"Another time I was knocked down by someone in the pub so I went out for some fresh air. I leant against a lamp post but people thought I was going to the toilet because of the way my right arm is."

The third time Dom found himself in a prison cell he was released when officers searched his wallet and found his Brain Injury ID Card, listing the effects of his brain injury.

 

Now Dom hopes Headway's personalised ID cards will help more brain injury survivors when they find themselves misunderstood by others.

He said: "I wish it existed when I was young and went out.

"I used to wish I could walk around with a badge around my neck to say 'I'm not drunk.'"

"But now if I need it, I have my card.

"When I got the card it didn't matter how I walked. I didn't have to pretend I wasn't limping to get into the pub. 

I could be my normal self.


Our 'A simple solution' video was put together with kind support from Wahid Khaliq and Royal Cabs, a Nottingham taxi firm and specialist in transportation for wheelchair users. 

Back to stories index

Brain Injury Identity Card

Our Brain Injury Identity Card provides survivors with added confidence in social situations, while helping them to get the right support if they come into contact with the criminal justice system.

Find out more
 

Effects of brain injury

Find out about some of the main difficulties that arise after brain injury, together with some suggestions as to how to deal with them.

Find out more
 

In your area

Find brain injury support in your area by searching our directory of local Headway groups and branches, specialist solicitors, approved care providers and charity shops.

Find out more
 
 

Share this page

Headway - the brain injury association is registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales (Charity no. 1025852) and the Office of the Scottish Regulator (Charity no. SC 039992). Headway is a company limited by guarantee, registered in England no. 2346893.

© Copyright Headway 2024  -  Site designed and developed by MEDIAmaker

Our sponsors: