Barbara Harris, 56, is one of just three people from across the UK to be recognised at a national awards ceremony for The Stephen McAleese Outstanding Contribution to Headway Award for devoting decades of service to local brain injury charity, Headway Sheffield.
Barbara, who was a founding member of the charity, has been an ever present support for many families across the city and South Yorkshire who are coming to terms with the devastating consequences of a brain injury.
Catherine Chapman, 40, from Upperthorpe, has Cerebral Palsy, she been going to Headway Sheffield for the last two years.
She said that Barbara is vital to the group.
She said: “It was so lovely to hear that Barbara has been nominated for the award. She really deserves it.
“From the moment I arrived at Headway Sheffield Barbara has been here to help me settle in and make friends. She is always on hand to help in any way she can.”
Catheryne Waterhouse, the chair of Headway Sheffield, nominated Barbara for the award, which is named after a young man who tragically passed away after battling back from a brain injury. Catheryne said that Barbara deserved the recognition. She said: “Barbara is the heart and soul of the charity.
“Her sense of duty is to help people with brain injuries is simply unwavering and her enthusiasm and motivation to support individuals and their families has been huge.
“She supports all our social events providing not only organisational skills but shares her clinical expertise to support and advise people as appropriate.
Without all of Barbara's hard work Headway Sheffield just couldn't support those people who rely on us to help them cope with often devastating consequences of brain injury.”
Barbara said she was delighted to be nominated. She said: “It is very flattering and has come as a bit of a shock.
“I’m very proud to be honest, proud that I have helped shape and be part of something that offers brain injury survivors and their families a place to meet, gain support and simply socialise.
“Many of our members can at times feel very socially isolated, and that can have a big effect on many aspects of their lives.
“At Headway Sheffield we give these people a place to meet where they feel comfortable - it’s a simple thing but it’s vital and to be part of it has been very rewarding.”
Each year, the Headway Annual Awards celebrate the exceptional efforts of survivors of brain injury, and those caring for and supporting them.
The Stephen McAleese Outstanding Contribution to Headway Award will be presented at a glittering ceremony in The Dorchester Hotel, London, on Friday 16 December. Awards for Carer, Volunteer and Achiever of the Year will also be presented.
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