Lorna Collins wins Alex Richardson Achiever 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: Lorna Collins – Amersham, Buckinghamshire

Lorna sustained a traumatic brain injury at age 18 after falling from a horse. Today, she is a multidisciplinary artist, writer, filmmaker, and arts educator who actively advocates for brain injury survivors.

Her project, A Creative Transformation, combines research and practical services to support people with brain injuries through creativity. Lorna has collaborated with several Headway centres across the UK, creating opportunities for survivors to engage in the arts.

She also fronted Headway UK’s ABI Week campaign in May, highlighting the fluctuating nature of brain injury with the theme “On a good day.”

Nominators describe Lorna as courageous, strong, and determined to help others with lived experience of brain injury.

Samuel Robinson – Hertfordshire

Sam was diagnosed with a large craniopharyngioma at age 15, requiring extensive surgery and radiotherapy. Later, he suffered a stroke that caused significant left-sided weakness, speech impairment, and cognitive challenges.

Despite these setbacks, Sam completed an honours degree in Biomedical Science from Newcastle University. He has been involved with Headway for nearly 20 years, advocating for the charity and raising awareness of life after brain injury.

Sam helped Headway Cambridgeshire secure £25,000 in funding, partly through sales of a calendar featuring his photography, with all proceeds donated to the charity.

David White – Newport, Wales

In September 2020, David suffered a severe fall after a paintballing day with friends, resulting in a fractured skull. He was placed in a medically induced coma and spent eight weeks in hospital, undergoing two surgeries and receiving a titanium plate in his skull.

After four months of rehabilitation, David was determined to connect with other survivors and volunteer his time. He founded NeuroBuds, a supportive community for brain and spinal patients, sharing stories, infographics, and signposting services.

David also volunteers at his local neuro-rehabilitation ward and is an active member of Headway Cardiff and South East Wales.

Nominated by his partner Stacey Davies, David is praised for “facing challenges head-on, with a smile on his face, and always wanting to help others.”