Before my accident I was a happy man, I liked my work as a window cleaner and I was happy at home, fishing and betting on horses– life was great. I would go out with my sons and grandchildren and take them to play in the park, we had a great connection.
I then had my accident and came to Headway in 2016, it was a car accident and I don’t remember it or what happened afterwards, I was only aware when I woke up in John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford. I was very lonely and scared at that time. My family visited me every day but when they left I felt very sad. I didn’t know much about my accident and couldn’t do much afterwards but my children helped me out with daily activities and with personal care. I saw photographs of myself after the accident and it scared me. It was not a nice thing to see.
My daughter found me a place at Headway back in 2016. When I first started coming to Headway I was like a tortoise in a shell. Headway staff started to really help me with my confidence. They make me feel better more and more every month and if it wasn’t for Headway I’m sure I would be in a home. At Headway I work one to one with staff and volunteers. I do paper work on English, maths and reading. I also paint a lot here and do pottery and cooking. I can’t put into words how great Headway has been to me. I have come so far since my accident. I feel 70% better but still with 30% to work on. Its very hard but I’m doing it.
My home life is different now since my injury and I don’t have the same connections as I did before with my family but I am working on that. I have changed but I feel myself coming back.
For anybody that suffers with a brain injury, they should get in touch with Headway as it has been brilliant for me.
