I had my accident in 2006, I suffocated on a cough sweet and was left to die. I was 18 years old, five weeks into my University course, fit and healthy. It took 15 minutes for help to arrive; that was 15 minutes for me with barely any breath. I suffered what is termed an ‘anoxic’ brain injury, basically a lack of oxygen to the brain. My basal ganglia (the bit above the spinal cord) was the most severely damaged. I spent nine months in hospital recovering. I had to learn how to do everything again, at first I could not swallow or eat, speak, walk.
I first attended Headway in 2007-2009, in their old premises. I was still in a bad way, could barely talk intelligibly and had severe issues with walking and balance. I was determined to go back to University: I had something I needed to prove to myself. Going to Headway helped my cognitive abilities hugely, also helped me reconnect the severed links in my brain. I grew a lot during my time there – I was unable to get any cognitive stimulation anywhere else!
In September 2009, I made it back to Uni, I did a Foundation year to relearn my subject (I had suffered memory loss) so sadly I had to leave Headway. In 2013, I graduated Uni with a degree in Physics which I am still proud of. Then I did the usual boring life stuff; got married, had a kid… When I was offered the opportunity to attend Headway again, I jumped at the chance! I have now been going again for a year and a half now (minus pandemic palaver) and I am thoroughly enjoying myself. I can honestly say that currently it is my favourite place in the world. At the moment I can only go for two hours a week, but it has made such a difference to me. In Headway I can be free, without worry about being judged if my makeup is wonky, or if I slip up socially. I honestly love it there and look forward to going each week.
I have a speech impediment called dysarthria, so at Headway having someone to talk to is such good practice for me. I was told only yesterday that they thought my speech had improved, it made my day! Another part of my disability is a lack of co-ordination, handwriting is exceptionally difficult for me. At Headway I am given the opportunity to practice handwriting, practice forming letters etc. and improving my hand strength.
Of course, we do lots of cognitive exercises too, gotta work those brain cells!! I don’t get much of an opportunity at home to think around difficult problems. I love Headway most for the people though. It is an incredible opportunity to be with people who suffer the same problems and discrimination I do. It is invaluable to me to share experiences and brainstorm solutions.
I truly believe that I am a different person at Headway; where usually I feel I am quite quiet, from fear of being misunderstood or ignored, at Headway I feel like I am a chatterbox! My group are all wonderful and very patient with me – the banter is excellent!
