Jane Reams, 54, 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 23 years service to local brain injury charity, Headway Lincolnshire.
Jane has been an ever present support for many families across the county who are coming to terms with the devastating consequences of a brain injury.
Joanna Mason who co-nominated Jane was one of those people. She said: “My brother Paul sustained a severe brain injury in a road traffic accident and when he came home after months in hospital, Jane was the only person who spoke to him honestly and realistically.
“They had been friends through school, and over the years Jane became Paul’s mentor and physio. With her determination, she enabled Paul to live far beyond his life expectancy. She also helped my family understand and cope with the strains of living and caring for someone with a brain injury."
Jane has worked tirelessly over the years as a Trustee of the charity. It was during this time that she put together training days for professionals, brain Injury survivors and their families. As well as organising fundraising events and generally raising the profile of the charity and brain injury.
Ann-Marie Smith, Information and Support Worker at Headway Lincolnshire also nominated Jane for the award, which is named in loving memory of a brave man who defied a brain injury to help others affected before he sadly passed away.
She said that Jane deserved the recognition. She said: “Since I started working for the charity, Jane has been my mentor, and confidant. She has also supported me and my family in coping with my own mum’s brain injury and cancer diagnosis.
“She has taught me so much and I owe so much to her for the encouragement that she has given me. Jane goes far above and beyond the role of trustee for the charity and I can think of no one else that deserves to be recognised more for her contribution to the brain injured community in Lincolnshire.”
Jane said she was very shocked to be shortlisted for the national award. She said: “I’m not the kind of person who likes to be the centre of attention but prefer to be in the background quietly helping people – so I’m very surprised and humbled to be nominated for these awards.
“I’m very passionate to help brain injury survivors to access the care they deserve and make sure they never feel isolated. I hope this award nomination will help in some way raise the profile of what support brain injury survivors need right here in Lincolnshire.”
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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