2011 Headway Carer of the Year Award

The Carer of the Year title went to Sandy Allis, from Coningsby in Lincolnshire.

Sandy, who sustained a severe brain injury in a road traffic accident in 1995, was actively campaigning and raising awareness for Headway Lincolnshire when she met Jez, an old work colleague who was recovering from a brain tumour.

Sandy encouraged Jez to attend Headway for better support and eventually friendship blossomed into love. Jez was still undergoing treatment when they married. Sadly, just one year later, Jez's health deteriorated and he passed away in April of this year.

"Sandy's story has touched us all," said Peter McCabe. "She demonstrated huge amounts of strength, courage and determination in rebuilding her life following her own brain injury. As soon as she was able, she began helping other people similarly affected, demonstrating her caring nature.

"It is impossible to image how hard it must have been for Sandy to lose Jez so soon after they had found each other. She was constantly by his side, caring for him and providing comfort and not once did that love or support wane - even when Jez's memory failed and he couldn't recall their wedding.

"Sandy is a very special woman and hugely deserving of this recognition."

Dorothy Davey from Cardiff and Jean McFarlane from Scunthorpe were fellow finalists in the Carer of the Year category.

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• 2011
• Carer
• Headway
• brain
• injury