Kathy and Anna's story

Through hardships, isolation and navigating challenges to triumphs, academic success and independence, Kathy and Anna’s story is one that will resonate with many families affected by brain injury.

The mother and daughter’s journey highlights the realities of brain injury for both survivor and their loved ones, but also the impact of securing the right support at the right time.

Anna’s entry into the world was traumatic and distressing, with Kathy describing the first 24 hours of Anna’s life as “terrifying”.

Kathy said: “When she arrived by forceps, my perfect baby was blue and very unwell.

“Anna had two seizures and her kidneys were failing. Nurses asked me to prepare for the worst, and a chaplain suggested an early baptism. I couldn’t. I just held her little hand and hoped she would come home.”

And three weeks later, she did.

Despite delayed developmental milestones, Anna ‘thrived in her own way’, but by age three, Kathy noted that Anna struggled with memory and attention difficulties.

Kathy said: “The paediatrician noted her small head size was on the lowest centile and suggested likely brain damage.

“There wasn’t much to do at the time except watch and support her.”

Fast forward to primary school, Kathy said by age nine, the gap between Anna and her peers became obvious, and learning and social interaction were becoming more difficult.

“High School was particularly hard for Anna”, Kathy said.

“Although the teaching support was excellent, fitting in socially was another matter entirely.

“It was an isolating time for her, and as her mother, watching her navigate that rejection was one of the hardest parts of her journey.”

Anna left school at sixteen and attended her local college for 18 months on a foundation catering course, finding her feet in a quieter, more supportive environment.

“Then lockdown arrived”, Kathy said, “And, like everyone else, our lives paused.”

However, it was during this uncertain time that Kathy and Anna first heard about Derwen College- a specialist college for young adults with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

They fought hard for Anna to secure a place on a residential performing arts course, with Kathy describing the approval as “the breakthrough we had been waiting for.”

She said: “Derwen College became the turning point. Free from peer intimidation and finally surrounded by understanding, Anna flourished.

“She became Derwen’s rising star, winning Best Performing Arts Student and Best Overall Student in 2022. She completed a year-long internship with a local media company and continued attending a specialist dance school, winning numerous trophies and medals in street dance competitions.”

By 2023, Anna was learning to live independently. She took on a part-time role working with toddlers using Makaton, volunteered within her dance group, and often found herself cast in lead roles in musical productions.

Anna also became a passionate advocate for people with both hidden and visible disabilities. She regularly shared her voice through podcasts and radio and for two consecutive years, she played key roles in her local pantomime alongside able-bodied actors.

In 2025, Anna completed her Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award and was recognised at Buckingham Palace.

“It was a moment I will never forget”, Kathy said.

“Later that year came another milestone: she was nominated by Derwen College and received the award for Most Inspirational Adult Learner at the Shropshire Chamber Business Awards. That night, I cried for an hour; tears of pride, relief, and gratitude.

“I hope other parents and children affected by brain injury reading this feel less alone, and perhaps even find hope. Because love, when it is fierce and unwavering, can illuminate the darkest of paths.”