Alec Williams wins Volunteer of the Year Award 2025

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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.

WINNER: Alec Williams – Cardiff, Wales

Brain injury survivor Alec has been nominated for Volunteer of the Year for his outstanding commitment to helping others.

Alec sustained a traumatic brain injury in June 2003 after being assaulted outside a nightclub and was left on life support. Following his recovery, Alec joined Headway Cardiff and South East Wales and has volunteered for 20 years at the charity’s weekly group sessions, supporting people with profound disabilities caused by brain injury.

In his role, Alec helps clients socialise, take part in activities, and maintain essential skills. His dedication goes beyond the sessions—recently, Alec checked on a fellow client who had missed an appointment, found them collapsed, and stayed with them until help arrived. Alec and his wife Laila continued visiting the client in hospital and worked with Headway to ensure a smooth discharge home.

Graham Geddes – Fife, Scotland

Graham founded Headway North East Fife in September 2024 to provide information, support, and companionship to brain injury survivors across St Andrews and the wider North East Fife area.

Starting as a volunteer at Headway Perth and Kinross, Graham noticed a gap in local support and took action to create a branch that meets the needs of survivors in his community.

Nominated by members Karen Wallace and Donalda Annan, Graham is praised for his dedication:

“Graham has our branch at heart in every way possible—from planning sessions and raising the branch’s profile to supporting more people affected by brain injury.” — Karen Wallace

“He has done amazingly well at setting up Headway North East Fife and ensuring there is a service for survivors like myself in the area.” — Donalda Annan

Rachel Lees – Newcastle Upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear

Rachel, an occupational therapist, has been a dedicated member of Headway Tyneside for 13 years. She serves as a trustee, clinical advisory team member, safeguarding lead, and group leader, volunteering to deliver evening social sessions for members.

Rachel was instrumental in establishing Headway Tyneside’s Tuesday Night Social Group, which she helped launch 13 years ago in collaboration with the NHS.

In her trustee role, Rachel brings valuable insight into members’ needs and responses to activities, ensuring the charity continues to provide meaningful support.

Jo Wallis, Specialist Clinical Lead at Headway Tyneside, nominated Rachel, describing her as someone who is “always available on the end of the phone, offering a listening ear.”