The Headway Annual Awards is the biggest event in Headway’s calendar. It’s a day for celebrating the dedication, growth and outstanding achievements of brain injury survivors, carers, volunteers, and others in the Headway community across the United Kingdom.
Here we introduce to you the three inspirational finalists who were shortlisted for this category.
Jo Bacon – Cambridge
“I feel so flattered and privileged to have been nominated for this.”
— Jo Bacon
Jo has been nominated for Carer of the Year for her unwavering dedication to caring for her husband and volunteering her time to support other brain injury survivors.
Her husband Michael sustained an intracranial haemorrhage in 2018 and attends Headway Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. A car enthusiast, Michael requires assistance with everyday tasks, including dressing, being hoisted from bed, washing, and feeding.
Jo cared for her husband of 38 years single-handedly for over five and a half years. In addition, she now volunteers during the charity’s Friday social sessions, offering support to other clients.
Anna Mumford, Senior Support Worker at Headway Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, nominated Jo, describing her as “an amazing lady” who “always offers immense kindness.”
Leanne Francis – Ashford, Kent
“Leanne’s unwavering strength and determination in the face of overwhelming odds inspire everyone who meets her.”
— Martin S Seare, Leanne’s father
Leanne was just 11 years old when a devastating car accident left her with a traumatic brain injury. Years later, doctors discovered an arachnoid cyst pressing on her frontal lobe, causing ongoing neurological and physical challenges.
Through sheer determination, Leanne passed her English and Maths GCSEs and is now pursuing her dream of becoming a midwife by studying a foundation degree at Canterbury University.
Her bravery extends beyond her own recovery—last year, Leanne became the primary carer for her father, Martin. Martin, who nominated her, said: “She lives with a brain injury, chronic fatigue, and ongoing trauma—and yet she looks after me. Leanne never seeks recognition, yet she constantly lifts those around her.”
Lorna Still – Beckton, East London
“I was emotional when I found out I had been nominated. I’m so grateful for the support network I have.”
— Lorna Still
Lorna cares for her husband Ali, who sustained a brain injury in 2022 during an electric bike accident. Ali underwent a craniotomy and had half of his skull removed on the left-hand side. He now lives with complex medical challenges, including aphasia, epilepsy, and partial blindness and deafness.
At the time of the accident, Lorna was 16 weeks pregnant with their youngest child and gave birth while Ali was still in hospital.
Ali now attends weekly evening sessions at Headway East London, where he socialises and takes part in activities. Lorna’s friends Katie and Danielle nominated her for her “strength” and her continual support for others.
Back
