Each year, Headway holds a glittering awards ceremony, celebrating the achievements and contributions of people with brain injuries and those who support them. This year, the event was held at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House in Mayfair.
Digital artist David Sinden, 58, from Penarth in the Vale of Glamorgan, had a sub-arachnoid haemorrhage in 2002 on Brighton seafront, which is a bleed on the surface of the brain. He spent many months recovering in hospital until he had an operation to restore his eyesight.
Since his brain injury, David has been involved with Headway Cardiff & South East Wales, who offer support for survivors and their families and carers in the aftermath of brain injury. He lives independently, with the hidden effects of his brain injury, which impacts executive skills, such as memory and planning.
David has now received Headway – the brain injury association's Alex Richardson Achiever of the Year Award. It was presented by Headway Chief Executive Luke Griggs and sponsored by Slater & Gordon.
When asked how it feels to win, David said: "I am humbled to be in the presence of such remarkable people, I'm stunned to be in their company. I am just so proud that I have the chance to represent Headway Cardiff in such a positive way."
Despite his challenges, David became a ‘stalwart’ of Headway Cardiff & South East Wales. He is often one of the first to welcome new members, offering words of encouragement and going out of his way to support anyone who is struggling.
Rebecca Pearce, CEO at Headway Cardiff & South East Wales, nominated David for the prestigious awards, highlighting the positive impact he has on his community.
Rebecca said: “We nominated David for a Headway Award for the warmth, caring, compassion, humour and positivity he brings to our walking group and for his work, which so vividly captures the individuality and humanity of some of our members in his photographic portraits, and in so doing raises awareness of brain injury.”
“He offers confirmation to fellow brain injury survivors, through artistic expression, that they are deserving of an audience beyond their peers. Their experiences have wider significance.”
Luke Griggs, Chief Executive of Headway – the brain injury association, said: “The way David has uses his experiences to shine a spotlight on the subject of brain injury is truly inspiring.
“His beautiful photography gives brain injury survivors a further way to share their unique stories, and you can really see what it means to them in the finished piece.”Back
