The glittering ceremony will take place on December 5 at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House in Mayfair.
Here we introduce to you the 15 inspirational finalists across our five categories – including the brand-new Extra Mile Award, recognising the dedication to brain injury survivors of Headway staff.
The Headway Annual Awards categories are:
- Alex Richardson Achiever of the Year Award – Sponsored by Slater & Gordon
- Carer of the Year Award - Sponsored by Hugh James
- Volunteer of the Year Award - Sponsored by Anthony Gold Solicitors LLP
- Stephen McAleese Outstanding Contribution to Headway Award - Sponsored by No5 Barristers Chambers
- The Headway Extra Mile Award - sponsored by Irwin Mitchell
Alex Richardson Achiever of the Year Award
Sponsored by Slater & Gordon
This award celebrates the outstanding determination, strength, and courage of brain injury survivors.
Yokabet Mekuria, London
"I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to support those who have a brain injury, to keep doing what I’m doing for people with brain injuries and their families. I want to show how important Headway is.”
- Yoki
After leaving Ethiopia as a child, Yoki came to the UK where she entered the care system. As a teenager, she developed a brain injury after an infection, which completely overturned her life. Yoki has had to learn to be a ‘tireless advocate for herself,’ in a world where she has faced enormous prejudice and obstacles. She now uses a wheelchair, her speech is affected, and she experiences daily cognitive issues such as fatigue and memory loss.
Yoki has been a member of Headway East London's community since 2014 has recently taken up a role as a paid member of staff as a Peer Support Worker, visiting patients in hospitals to bring lived experience to those in need. Yoki was nominated by Claire Stone, who says Yoki is a ‘vibrant and warm presence who advocates for people living with brain injury whenever she can.’
Ross Scott, Northern Ireland
"I hope my story reminds others that it can happen at any time. People need to take care, as it could easily be them.”
- Ross
Ross, from Ballynahinch in County Down, was 23 years old when he set out to play his usual Saturday evening game of football. Unfortunately, heavy rain meant the game was called off and when Ross hadn’t returned home after several hours, his family began to worry. Police found his car just after midnight; it had aquaplaned on rainwater and careered into a field at the side of the road, before hitting a tree. Following the accident, Ross was hospitalised in a coma having sustained a traumatic brain injury, and 3 months of intensive rehabilitation followed.
Ross has been a dedicated member of Headway Lisburn since 2021. Martina McGleenan nominated Ross for his ‘incredible determination and resilience’ and the fact that he is a ‘supportive and good friend to everyone.’ One of Ross's most significant achievements post-brain injury is his ‘triumphant return to the football field’ with the Linfield seniors disabled football team, which includes being recognised as the top scorer and getting involved in coaching and inspiring others through sharing his story.
David Sinden, Wales
“My photography is an attempt to get my head around the extraordinary and life-changing experience I have been through, and as a tribute to all the other people I have met who have had similar experiences.”
- David
David is a digital artist from Penarth, Wales, who co-founded Zone in 1991, a photography and media gallery in Newcastle upon Tyne. In 2002, David had a subarachnoid haemorrhage - a bleed on the surface of the brain. He spent many months recovering in hospitals until he had an operation to restore his eyesight. David now lives, independently, with the hidden effects of brain injury, which impact his executive functioning skills.
Since then, David has been involved with Headway Cardiff & South East Wales and is well known for capturing the stories of fellow brain injury survivors through his photography, reflecting the uniqueness of their own experiences. He was nominated by Rebecca Peace for what he brings to the group – with members describing him as ‘one of the kindest and most positive people’ they have ever met.
Carer of the Year Award
Sponsored by Hugh James
This award celebrates the outstanding care and support given to someone with a brain injury.
Rola Azizeh, London
“Rola never thinks of herself. Despite everything she’s been though, in her selfless and humble way, she always seeks to enrich the lives of whoever she meets.”
- Scott Rigby, Stewarts Law
Rola was living with her family in Bethlehem when her eldest son, Joseph, was hit by a car at a pedestrian crossing - just days after he had arrived in London to begin his master’s in law at Queen Mary University. After she took the devasting phone call, Rola packed her bag to be at Jospeh’s bedside. Eventually she gave up her family home and moved her entire family to England to support Joseph through his journey following his brain injury.
Rola has been nominated by Scott Rigby, for her ‘selfless dedication’ to her family’s wellbeing and the role she played not only as Joseph’s mother and carer, but also his case manager, fighting for his care at every step along the way. Despite initially being given little chance of survival and facing setbacks like pneumonia and seizures, his mother never gave up hope. Joseph, now able to walk with assistance and communicate, is writing a book and has returned to university.
Sue Giles, North East
“Sue and Dave are a team for life, both on and off the football pitch. She’s an all-round fabulous woman with a huge heart and a warm smile.”
- Jo Wallis, Headway Tyneside
Sue’s husband, Dave, suffered a hypoxic brain injury after he had a heart attack 18 years ago and, as a result, lost much of his speech and some mobility. Dave is a huge football fan but his mobility problems following his brain injury means that even Headway Tyneside’s specialist Walking Football sessions are difficult for him. However, Sue found a way to break through the barriers by supporting him physically so that he can still participate. Throughout the game, Sue provides hands-on assistance to enable Dave to maintain his balance, as he cannot walk unaided. Come rain or shine, Sue is there ensuring that Dave can join in with the football.
Sue and Dave have attended Headway Tyneside for the last 10 years. Sue has been nominated by Jo Wallis, who says Sue is a ‘warm, friendly and understanding peer’ to family members whose loved ones have only recently sustained a brain injury. Jo says Sue’s support not only for Dave, but also existing Headway Tyneside members is ‘priceless’.
Lesley Vass, South East
“This nomination acknowledges the countless sacrifices Lesley has made and the unwavering, selfless dedication she has shown to her husband, Barry, and to the broader community of individuals affected by brain injuries.”
- Daniel Snyman, Headway Basingstoke
Lesley’s ‘seemingly perfect’ life took a dramatic turn in November 1988 when her husband, Barry, suffered a severe cerebral haemorrhage at the age of 41. Barry's brain injury led to almost a year of hospitalisation and marked the beginning of a challenging journey for their family. Lesley had to balance the roles of caregiver, mother, and household manager, ensuring that Barry received the support he needed upon returning home and that the lives of their two young sons remained as unaffected as possible.
Lesley has been an integral part of Headway Basingstoke since 1989, shortly after Barry's enrolment, motivated by a desire to contribute to the charity’s success and longevity. Lesley has been instrumental in recruiting and training volunteers, managing HR and fundraising, all in a voluntary capacity. She has been nominated by Daniel Snyman for her ‘grace and determination’ despite the immense challenges she has faced, and her commitment to Headway, which spans three decades; all while caring for Barry.
Volunteer of the Year Award
Sponsored by Anthony Gold Solicitors LLP
This award celebrates the outstanding contribution of an individual to Headway in their community.
Stephen Davies, North West
“Stephen is a constant presence; Trustees have changed, our members have changed, but through it all Stephen remains the backbone of the service we provide.”
- Kat Whitemoss, Headway South Manchester and Stockport
Stephen has been volunteering with Headway for an incredible 40 years. Stephen’s own brain injury, caused by a fall and a resulting blood clot, meant he could no longer work. Stephen was unconscious for three and a half weeks, after which he had extensive speech and motor issues. He joined Headway South Manchester and Stockport just one year after the charity formed in 1983. From day one, Stephen has devoted his time to Headway and the empowerment of its members, as well as supporting the charity with fundraising activities to ensure sustainability for the future.
Stephen quickly started taking on the role of volunteer and member representative within the Board of Trustees and, according to his nominator, Kat Whitemoss, has been a ‘major force’ at the group ever since. Stephen has lived experience of life with a brain injury and is able to empathise with members at the Headway group, no matter what stage of the journey they are at.
Martin Longmore, Northern Ireland
“My experience has matured me into someone values life and takes nothing for granted. I know now that I am a lucky man. I have the chance to look out for my grandkids and my elderly parents. I also get to be there to help my friends at Headway through their journey.”
- Martin
Martin was involved in a road traffic collision in 2001 and was given 48 hours to live – after his car collided face on to a building. He was paralysed for several months before learning to walk, talk and read all over again. Marin had a severe brain injury and multiple fractures – his left elbow also had to be reconstructed, and a titanium rod fitted to his left upper arm - as well as amnesia.
Martin has been a regular member of Headway Larne for 5 years. Diane Wilson nominated Martin, saying his transition from group member to volunteer has been ‘inspirational,’ and that everyone at Headway Larne benefits from his support. Diane says that, through his love of Headway, Martin has ‘become the person he would have liked to have met at the start of his journey of recovery.’
Dave Stannard, East
“Headway Essex means the world to me. I’ve seen what this charity does for people from both sides. Denise absolutely thrived going there, and I love to work with people who join the group, to help them and to see them improve over time.”
- Dave
Dave started volunteering with Headway Essex after his wife, Denise had a stroke in 1996. Despite being a full-time carer for Denise, Dave has volunteered ever since. Following her stroke, Denise depended heavily on Dave for support, before she sadly passed away in February 2021. However, Dave has continued to volunteer at least twice a week, helping to support the service users and staff of the centre and is well loved by all.
Dave often gives up his time to attend support groups with service users who may be too anxious to attend by themselves, helping them until they have felt confident enough to attend alone. When not volunteering, Dave also gives up his free time to attend fundraising events with his family, promote Headway Essex and be on hand to help out with anything needed. Dave was nominated by Emma McCullagh, who says Dave’s warm welcome to all is the ‘epitome of his character.’
Stephen McAleese Outstanding Contribution to Headway Award
Sponsored by No5 Barristers Chambers
This award celebrates the outstanding contributions to the work of Headway made by survivors, carers, volunteers and supporters over an extended period.
David Chater, West Midlands
“David has gifted us not only his superb business expertise over the years, but he’s always done so with a great sense of humour and caring approach. This nomination is the perfect send-off.”
- Sue Tyler
David first became involved with Headway Birmingham & Solihull 25 years ago when he joined the board of Trustees and became Chairman. Sue Tyler nominated David for the ‘vital role’ he played in the progression and sustainability of Headway Birmingham & Solihull. She says David, who retired in October 2024, developed ‘tremendous passion’ for supporting brain injury survivors over the many years he has been a part of the Headway B&S community.
Although David was instrumental in increasing the charity’s turnover – from £100k to now over £2 million – over his two and a half decades with Headway, Sue says David’s biggest impacts are the things that ‘can’t be measured’. Things like being available to support anyone at short notice or travelling miles to just chat or be there for someone in need. David ‘takes a real interest’ in all Headway clients and staff and makes a big effort to speak to all new and old faces, making everyone feel part of the Headway family.
Jackie Dean, North West
“I am privileged to have worked with people that have faced adversity through brain injury, and their wider families, and know the difference that Headway can make.”
- Jackie
Occupational therapist Jackie has been involved with Headway Wirral since the charity was set up in 1988, as a committee member and then Chair - a position she held for over 18 years.
Through her leadership Jackie has built Headway Wirral into the successful charity it is today, creating a ‘safe and welcoming’ space. She was ‘instrumental’ in developing Headway Wirral from three users meeting once a week when she took over as Chair, to the 120 service users Headway Wirral currently supports on a weekly basis free to the user, across four groups.
Among many other initiatives, Headway Wirral service users have a fun day trip once a month to teach skills in accessing the community and helping to tackle the sense of isolation that brain injury survivors often feel. Ann Allister nominated Jackie for the award, saying Jackie is ‘truly outstanding,’ showing ‘infinite patience, calmness and kindness to all around her.’
Cathy Johnson, North West
“Cathy has undoubtedly saved the lives of those she has helped in their darkest times, and she does it all with a smile on her face and a twinkle in her eye. We are so very lucky to have her.”
- Carol Hopwood, Headway Sefton
Cathy is the current chairwoman of Headway Sefton and an original founder of the group. Over the last 10 years and under Cathy’s direction as chairwoman, Headway Sefton has grown to support a regular membership of 40 brain injury survivors across the North West. She came to Headway with lived experience. Cathy’s husband, Jan, suffered life changing injuries following a fall from his bicycle when a bird flew into his bike wheel in August 2012, leading to him suffering a catastrophic brain injury and broken spine.
Cathy was nominated by Carol Hopwood, who co-founded Headway Sefton with Cathy. Carol was ‘struck by Cathy’s natural warmth and her absolute determination’ to do all that she could to help Jan be the best post-accident version of himself. In addition to caring for Jan, Cathy is now also caring for her mother who has advancing dementia and her elderly father. Carol calls Cathy’s strength ‘remarkable’.
The Headway Extra Mile Award
Sponsored by Irwin Mitchell
This award celebrates the achievements and dedication of Headway staff in supporting brain injury survivors and their families and carers.
Joyce Cattanach, Scotland
"I just can’t measure the benefit there has been to my self-esteem thanks to Joyce’s faith in me and the experiences she is providing us all with."
- Fionna, brain injury survivor
Joyce has been the only member of staff at Headway East Lothian for nearly two decades. Supported by a ‘wonderful’ team of volunteers, Joyce has grown the charity as Development Officer since 2007, and this year celebrated its 20-year anniversary. Joyce was nominated by Katy Lamb; the pair working together since Headway East Lothian’s inception. Katy says Joyce is ‘magnificent’ and noted Joyce’s commitment to Headway and her support and love for others, which has existed alongside her own hardships away from work.
Joyce has often sought grant funding for her own salary and has temporarily played the role of Secretary, Treasurer and Chair, as well as volunteering and fundraising on her own time. She has raised over £5,000 through sponsored activities, such as a 26-mile walk. Katy says brain injury survivors across Scotland benefit from Joyce’s expertise, kindness, and empathy and that these natural qualities of hers are what makes the difference to the lives of so many others.
Ann-Marie Smith, East Midlands
“Ann-Marie battles through everything with strength, compassion and empathy and is truly the heart of Headway Lincolnshire.’’
- Victoria Stevenson, Headway Lincolnshire’s Board of Trustees
Ann-Marie has worked at Headway Lincolnshire as Coordinator and Development Officer for 13 years. Starting with just 12 hours funded per week, Ann-Marie built the brain injury support service and secured funding for her full-time position, as well as for an additional part time member of staff.
Ann-Marie found herself ‘thrust’ into the world of brain injury when a close family member was attacked. Since that time, she has worked tirelessly to help improve the lives of others in the same situation that her and her family found themselves in. Due to Lincolnshire being a large county with limited transport links, it is not viable to have a day centre, so Ann-Marie travels around the county covering miles to reach out to those in need of support. Ann-Marie has put in ‘countless’ volunteer hours to support Headway Lincolnshire, raising ‘thousands’ every year through sponsored walks, Christmas fayres, race nights and charity balls. She was nominated by Sue Lindridge, who said ‘many people would be lost without Ann-Marie’.
Sue Tyler, West Midlands
“Headway has been my life for over 30 years, and it has been wonderful to see it grow. It is a privilege to work with such wonderful teams of staff and volunteers, who play such a significant part in our achievements.”
- Sue Tyler
Sue joined Headway Birmingham & Solihull in 1991 as one of the first members of staff. She has held the position of Chief Executive since 2002, when the charity's turnover was £229,000 with some 13 members of staff. In 2023, the charity's turnover was £1,670,000, and now has 90 members of staff and a team of 60 dedicated volunteers.
Sue has been nominated by David Chater who says the ‘constant growth and development of the charity says everything’ about Sue’s achievements. Headway Birmingham & Solihull now operates from three hubs across Birmingham and has opened and runs three Headway charity shops, providing much needed funds, vocational training opportunities, and awareness of Headway’s services in the community. David also says that the average length of service of the staff, many of whom have been with the charity for over 10 years - is ‘another testament to the leadership she gives day in and day out.’
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