Callum Maclean will be recognised at an annual awards ceremony organised by Headway – the brain injury association as one of just three finalists from across the UK in the running for the title of Alex Richardson Achiever of the Year.
Callum was a fit, strong and athletic man, spending most of his life at sea as a deep sea fisherman and a spell on land as a qualified welding inspector, before his life came to a juddering halt in 2011.
“I woke up one day with a horrific headache. No matter what I did, I couldn’t shift it. It was so bad I could barely open my eyes, recalled Callum.
“I would sleep for 20 hours a day, I thought it was the flu or something but eventually the pain became so bad that I was rushed to hospital.”
The MRI scan revealed a benign brain tumour and Callum underwent emergency surgery.
The complex operation, which meant him losing part of his brain, left him without speech and unable to walk.
He also struggled with memory issues and outbursts of anger, which was hard for everyone to understand especially since Callum was always known for being such a laid back character.
But with the support of close family and medical specialists he managed to return home and to live independently.
However for a man who worked away from home for most of his life he was suddenly trapped within four walls and stuck in a very small rural village with limited transport options.
Callum had to show immense resilience to keep his spirits up and with the amazing support of his elder brother Willy and his local group Headway Highland he began to get back into public life.
He said: “It was a very dark and tough time in my life. My confidence was shot to bits as I really struggled with my speech and balance.
“But once I went to Headway Highland things began to improve, it helped to be around people who really understood me – understood what I was going through, sometimes hidden, beneath the surface.”
Callum was nominated for the award by his wife Catriona. She said she was very proud with the way he has rebuilt his life but also his commitment in raising awareness of Headway’s Brain Injury Identification Card.
The ID card is designed to help police officers and staff more easily identify brain injury survivors and ensure that they receive an appropriate response and support.
It can also provide brain injury survivors with added confidence in everyday social scenarios.
Each card is personalised, helping the card holder to explain the effects of their brain injury and request any support they may need.
Catriona said: “I was so proud of his involvement in helping to promote the card. He had to fly to Edinburgh on his own which was a big thing for him but he was so passionate about how useful it could be to people like him.
“The journey alone was stressful but then he went on to give a speech at the official launch event and even took part in a TV interview with STV. He has come so far and shown such determination to keep going.”
Callum has recently started a part-time job, working a few hours each week at a seafood company.
He said: “I can’t manage much but the time I do spend down the harbour is great. I get to speak to some of the people I used to work with and love catching up with all the nonsense.”
Callum said he was delighted to be nominated for a Headway award and was looking forward to attending the glittering ceremony at The Dorchester Hotel in Mayfair.
He said: “I’m chuffed to bits, although the Dorchester might be a posh for me.
“I’m sure I will love it though. It’s been a really tough few years but thanks to my brother, Headway and my wife, I have made great progress.
“I didn’t think my life would ever be like this again, so I’m so thankful.”
Each year, the Headway Annual Awards celebrate the exceptional efforts of survivors of brain injury and their carers.
Callum will find out whether he will win the Achiever of the Year Award sponsored by Slater & Gordon Lawyers at The Dorchester Hotel, London, on Friday, 7 December.
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