The meeting was chaired by Sir John Hayes MP and attended by MPs and peers from across the political spectrum, including our newest parliamentary champion, Baroness Morris of Yardley.
Colin Morris, Director of Communications, opened the session by highlighting the stark contrast between good and bad days for brain injury survivors. He described how these fluctuations impact every part of life - from relationships and work to social situations and hobbies and why it’s vital for society to better understand the invisible effects of brain injury.
The most powerful voices in the room, however, came from survivors themselves. Lorna and Warren, two remarkable individuals living with the long-term effects of brain injury, shared their personal experiences with honesty and courage.
Lorna was just 18 and ‘destined for glory’ in the equestrian world when a fall from her horse saw her Grand National dream come to an abrupt halt. She sustained a traumatic brain injury (TBI) that left her with lasting fatigue, dizziness, anxiety, and memory loss - unable to recall her childhood and facing daily challenges many can’t see.
“Sharing my story as part of On a Good Day is a privilege,” Lorna told attendees.
“This campaign is so important because people don’t see how you really are. If we can educate others to be more compassionate and sensitive, it will make a huge difference—not just for people with brain injuries but for society as a whole.”
Warren also spoke movingly about his own journey and the toll brain injury has taken. “I really do want to pay my heartfelt thanks to you all for listening to me and bearing with me and especially to my daughter who has flown over to be here to support me today and of course to everyone involved with Headway.”
“The one thing that scares me the most is that the essential and critical lifeline that local Headway charities provide could all be taken away from us survivors. It can’t be right that some of the most vulnerable and fragile in our society have to rely on nothing else but the amazing hearts of others.”
The On a Good Day campaign
On a Good Day is our 2025 ABI Week campaign, focusing on the unpredictable nature of brain injury. It explores the gulf between a survivor’s capabilities on a good day versus a bad one, aiming to foster greater empathy and understanding.
You can read more about our campaign and explore the results of our surveys on the fluctuating effects of brain injury.
Shown above: (left to right) Annie, Sir John Hayes MP, Lorna, Warren
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