Local Heroes Hoping For National Glory, UK

Main Category: Neurology / Neuroscience
Article Date: 26 Nov 2007 - 1:00 PDT

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Two Nottinghamshire people who defied serious physical disabilities as a result of brain injuries to complete incredible feats of endurance have been nominated for a national award from Headway UK, the brain injury association.

Kirsty Offord, from Wollaton, and Newark's Keith Lauder are two of only three finalists from across the UK competing for the title of Achiever of the Year in the Headway Annual Awards 2007.

Nine years ago, while training for a charity bike ride across Cuba, Kirsty Offord was struck by a car. The accident left her with a brain injury that changed her life. She gradually began her road to recovery, aided by Headway Nottingham, part of the national charity that helps people rebuild their lives after suffering brain injuries.

Now 32-years-old, Kirsty is registered disabled and suffers from balance problems, fatigue, headaches, lack of concentration, short-term memory loss and has poor spatial awareness. Despite this, in February this year Kirsty achieved her dream of cycling across Cuba in order to raise money for Headway Nottingham.

Supported by a group of 25 fellow cyclists who quickly learnt to flank her when she slowed down due to her balance issues, Kirsty rode an impressive 250 miles in just five days in intense heat and on uneven terrain.

"My brain injury meant I had to let go of many of my dreams," said Kirsty, "but I never lost my desire to cycle across Cuba for charity. It was an incredible experience and I feel very proud to have done it. It also feels good to have raised nearly £9,000 for Headway and raised awareness of the impact brain injuries can have, too."

Like Kirsty, 44-year-old Keith Lauder was involved in a road traffic accident that left him with a brain injury and serious physical injuries, including a loss of sight. However, Keith's resolve and bravery have seen him complete a range of incredible feats including abseiling, running a marathon and even ostrich riding all to raise money for charity as well as awareness of the effects of brain injury.

Perhaps even more impressive is Keith's ongoing work to help other people realise that they can still enjoy life after suffering a brain injury. Keith is an active member of the Newark Outreach Group, which is part of Headway Nottingham, and regularly gives talks and presentations about living with a brain injury and how to make the best of life.

"Both Keith and Kirsty are inspirational people," said Fay Larcombe, Manager of Headway Nottingham. "For Kirsty to have the courage, strength and determination to get back on a bike after her accident - let alone cycle across Cuba - is incredible.

"We believe it's Keith's work in the community that is the reason he has been shortlisted for this award. He speaks so passionately and gives a lot of confidence to everyone he meets who is in similar position to him.

"We are incredibly proud that two members of Headway Nottingham are in the final three for the Achiever of the Year award. We wish them both luck on the day."

The Achiever of the Year will be named at a glittering ceremony at The Dorchester Hotel in London on 13 December, along with awards for the Carer of the Year, Volunteer of the Year and Campaigner of the Year. A special award will also be presented to television production company Tiger Aspect for its powerful programme Recovery, starring David Tennant as a man trying to rebuild his life after suffering a brain injury.

http://www.headway.org.uk

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