Lesley Stephenson, 65 and from Berwick upon Tweed, in Northumberland, will join just two other finalists chosen from across the UK to be in the running for the title of Volunteer of the Year at the national brain injury awards ceremony organised by Headway – the brain injury association.
The accolade, sponsored by Anthony Gold Solicitors, will be presented by double Olympic gold medallist James Cracknell at the star-studded ceremony at The Dorchester Hotel in London.
Lesley helped set up Headway North Northumberland, a local charity that supports individuals affected by brain injury and their families, in May 2006 when her close friend's husband, Tom Hamill, suffered a stroke and was left with a severe brain injury.
Tom's brain injury occurred around the time Lesley's own mother had suffered a series of strokes and was living with her daughter for support. Close neighbours, the two families supported each other.
Having identified a gap in local support services for people affected by brain injury, Lesley agreed to put her banking and accounting experience to good use and joined Tom's new Headway North Northumberland charity as Treasurer.
Each year, Lesley organises and runs a tea-room project at the Kelso Races, which usually takes centre-stage as the main fundraising event and this year raised more than £800 for Headway North Northumberland.
Recently, Lesley arranged a Berwick to Eyemouth coastal route walk with staff from the local Santander branch, which took four hours to complete and raised around £1,500 for the Headway group. Other outings have included Lesley taking 18 Headway service users to the Farne Islands.
Lesley also organises a monthly activity day in Berwick-Upon-Tweed for brain injury survivors and their families to take respite from their daily challenges and enjoy an outing together whereby they can make friends and meet with likeminded people.
During these activity days, Lesley not only ensures refreshments are provided, but she also invites local bands to perform musical entertainment and arranges for a qualified massage therapist to deliver free sessions to help members relax.
To celebrate the group's 10th anniversary, Lesley took car trips from Heatherslaw Mill steam railway to Lavender cafe in Etal, before going on to visit the 'heavy horses' at Hay Farm. In addition to organising day trips, such as a recent visit to Alnwick Gardens, Lesley also works closely with local stakeholders and is constantly searching for funding opportunities to ensure the continued survival of the charity.
"I'm still a bit overwhelmed by such lovely recognition," said a humble Lesley.
"It feels strange to be praised for doing something we all enjoy so much! For many of our members, brain injury can put a wide range of stresses on their plate.
"We have had tremendous support locally over the years, and I would like to thank all the volunteers and local businesses that have helped so considerably to keep our vital frontline services running for people affected by brain injury.
"Our group members are just amazing and the trips provide a chance for members to socialise and build up confidence after brain injury. We all have a great time and everyone gets something out of it.
“If these activity days can offer respite, even if only once a month, from their life challenges after brain injury, it is all worth it."
It was fellow volunteer, Sarah Young, who put Lesley forward for the award.
“Lesley has a big heart and is the driving force behind the local charity,” said Sarah.
“She seeks no reward for her efforts other than to see the joy and pleasure Headway members gain from taking part in all of the wonderful events she organises.
“For many service users, the charity’s activity sessions are the highlight of their month and these days simply would not happen without the indescribably selfless commitment Lesley throws into everything she does with the group.
Each year, Headway Annual Awards celebrates the exceptional efforts of survivors of brain injury and their carers. Lesley will discover if she is to be named Volunteer of the Year at a glittering ceremony at The Dorchester Hotel, in London, on Friday 16 December. Awards for Achiever and Carer of the Year will also be presented, alongside the Stephen McAleese Outstanding Contribution to Headway Award.
