The awards, hosted by Headway – the brain injury association, will feature stories from extraordinary people, such as Mark Kennedy, a brain injury survivor who has now run over 100 half marathons, Mark Ewart who was about to be pronounced brain dead but made a remarkable recovery, and Nicola Strong, a devoted mother who cares for her husband, child and father – all of whom have suffered brain injuries.
The awards, which will take place on 9 December at the Landmark in London, will be hosted by acclaimed sports journalist Sam Peters, with awards being presented by double Olympic gold medallist James Cracknell and Lance Corporal Johnson Beharry VC.
Headway’s Interim Chief Executive, Luke Griggs, said: “Brain injury can have a devastating impact both on an individual and the people close to them; survivors often face challenges such as memory loss, debilitating fatigue and loss of language and movement.
“Imagine one day waking up and finding you must learn to walk and talk again, that your memory is foggy, and you can’t do the things you are used to doing. It seems unimaginable, but this is a reality for many brain injury survivors. Every day we see people who have carried out incredible acts of compassion, bravery and strength and this is our chance to recognise some of them.
“We firmly believe that together we are stronger, and the Headway awards really showcase just how true this is. It is because of the support of people like our finalists, that we are able to help so many people affected by brain injury. We are thrilled to be able to honour some of our Headway heroes next month.”
The Headway awards will pay tribute to the inspirational achievements of brain injury survivors, carers, volunteers, and campaigners.
There are four awards categories: Alex Richardson Achiever of the Year, Carer of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, and the Stephen McAleese Outstanding Contribution to Headway. Each of the 12 finalists have been chosen by a selection panel; the category winners will be announced on the day.
“Our finalists represent just a small sample of the wonderful people we work with every day” Luke continued, “the awards will also recognise the truly remarkable support we receive from the entire Headway community.
“We hope the nation will join us in celebrating and help us to applaud everyone who ensures Headway remains a beacon of support to those in need.”
The winner of each category will be presented with an engraved silver plate. The finalists in this year’s awards include:
Alex Richardson Achiever of the Year, sponsored by Slater & Gordon
- Mark Kennedy: a brain injury survivor from Northants who has run over 100 half marathons, delivered inspirational speeches across the UK and co-authored four books.
- Dudley Garner: a brain injury survivor from Norfolk who found recovery through running and now motivates over 400 people at weekly Couch to 5K events.
- Mark Ewart: a brain injury survivor from Lisburn, Northern Ireland. Mark was on the verge of being pronounced brain dead, but through sheer determination and grit, he has made an outstanding recovery.
Stephen McAleese Outstanding Contribution to Headway, sponsored by No5 Barristers Chambers
- Chris Case: a rugby player from Cardiff who has worked tirelessly to support brain injury survivors after his wife suffered a serious brain injury.
- Dee Blackwell: A mother from Huddersfield who spent 20 years fighting for better support for brain injury survivors, including for her disabled son.
- Dean Harding: A brain injury survivor from East London who secured £140,000 of funding for an early intervention initiative and has made it his life’s mission to help others.
Carer of the Year, sponsored by Barr Ellison LLP
- Michelle Kelly: A devoted carer from Sefton who became her partner’s primary carer after he sustained a traumatic brain injury. Alongside caring for her partner, Michelle is an integral part of her local Headway charity, helping to organise events and days out as well as running support groups for brain injury survivors.
- Nicola Strong: An awe-inspiring mum from Lincolnshire who cares for her husband, father, and son after they all sustained brain injuries.
- Beth Henderson: A widow from Humbie, East Lothian who went above and beyond to care for care for her late husband who had a brain injury and dementia.
Volunteer of the Year, sponsored by Anthony Gold Solicitors
- Peter McDaid: a brain injury survivor from Omagh, Northern Ireland who has dedicated much of his life to supporting fellow brain injury survivors.
- Michael Condon: A retired accountant from Leicester who worked tirelessly to transform his local Headway during the covid pandemic.
- Richard Cardy: A volunteer from Ramsgate who, after living with an undiagnosed brain injury for eight years, has become instrumental in supporting the activities at his local Headway charity.