Run by Headway - the brain injury association, the national charity for people living with brain injury, the awards provide an opportunity to publicly thank some very special people, while raising awareness and understanding of brain injury.
Winners received their awards on Friday 8th December at a glittering ceremony at the Landmark in London. The day saw 12 hugely deserving people celebrated for their achievements, their resilience, and their dedication.
This year’s winners include Achiever of the Year, Stef Harvey from Hertfordshire, a brain injury survivor who has been recognised for her determination to overcome adversity. On receiving her award, Stef said:
"My mind is blown. It's so magical to be in a room full of amazing 'have done, can do and will do people', and I am honoured to be given this award. Thank you to Headway for everything."
Carer of the Year, Sally Hylands from Sussex, who has cared for her husband Clifford, her childhood sweetheart and husband of four decades, for over 20 years. On receiving her award, Sally said:
"I am in shock. I am so happy. It's just been such a long journey and this is an amazing boost, it means everything."
Volunteer of the Year, John Marriage, who for more than a decade has volunteered for Headway Basingstoke, going above and beyond to improve the lives of brain injury survivors. On receiving his award, John said:
"I am absolutely elated. This is just the icing on the cake, I never expected to be here let alone win. It's all about the people I work with at Headway. This is for them."
Outstanding Contribution to Headway, Judy Tilbury, a ‘truly inspirational’ person who has been involved with Headway Sussex for 26 years and in that time, has raised a staggering £30,000 for Headway. On receiving her award, Judy said:
"It's just such an honour. To me it's not fundraising. It's just a part of me. I'm so very surprised and so very happy."
This year also featured a fifth category – the Innovation Award – celebrating innovative projects across the Headway network. Winning the inaugural Innovation Award was Headway Suffolk, with 'Brainy Dogs'.
Alongside the ceremony, hosted by Olympic Gold Medallist James Cracknell and author Sam Peters, guests were also treated to a talk by Atlantic Ocean rower and Headway Hero Giles Johnson, an exciting live auction with TV personality and British antiquarian Eric Knowles and an exclusive performance by the Headway North West London choir!
Jen Murgatroyd, Director of Fundraising said:
"It was wonderful to welcome supporters and guests to the Headway Awards again this year. We were delighted to open the afternoon with the Headway North West London group choir, performing a few songs that they’ve been rehearsing during their speech and communication group sessions that are supported by Tracey Green their Speech and language therapist. The therapy and singing activities with Tracey really has made a difference to those attending the group. From start to finish the day was incredibly inspiring. I’d like to congratulate all our winners and finalists on their awards and recognition. The event really does show how vital Headway is locally and nationally in supporting those affected by with brain injury."
