Patience Is Rewarded For Ipswich Teenager, UK

Main Category: Neurology / Neuroscience
Article Date: 26 Nov 2007 - 2:00 PDT

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An Ipswich teenager who since the age of 12 has been caring for his brain-injured father has been nominated for a national award from Headway UK - the brain injury association. Ben Patience, now 17, is one of only three finalists from across the UK competing for the title of Carer of the Year in the Headway Annual Awards 2007.

Five years ago, Ben's father, Martin, fell off a roof while working. The accident left Martin with a severe brain injury and a different, angry personality. Unfortunately, Martin's anger got too much to bear and Ben, his younger sister and their mother were forced to moved out, leaving Martin in the family home to provide him with the necessary stability to aid his recovery.

Since then, Ben has been the primary carer for his father, visiting him before and after school every day to ensure he is safe and has everything he needs. He filters his father's calls and mail to ensure he doesn't get angry with people he does not want to talk to and generally takes care of him before settling down to do his homework.

Ben says he's had to grow up fast and sacrifice a large part of his childhood, but he says he has no regrets. "Everything changed when my dad had his accident," said Ben. "He was suddenly reliant on help. Whereas previously he had always been the one looking after us, he was now the one who needed looking after. It was very hard to adjust - especially as I was only 11 at the time.

"I guess I have lost most of my teenage years and I wasn't able to spend time with my mates as much as I would have liked, but my dad needed me and I wanted to be there for him. I'm proud of him and I know he's proud of me."

As part of his rehabilitation process, Martin began visiting Headway Ipswich and East Suffolk, part of the national charity that helps people rebuild their lives after suffering brain injury. Helen Fairweather, Chief Executive of the group, said that relationships within families often change when someone suffers a brain injury.

"Most people don't realise the effects a brain injury can have on someone's personality," said Helen. "Often, that person will never be the same again and family roles have to be redefined. "It is incredible that Ben managed to show the maturity and strength at such a young age to come to terms with the change in his relationship with his dad, and accept he now has to do the looking after. Not only that, but he does it willingly and never seems to think he's doing anything out of the ordinary.

"Ben is an impressive young man and deserves every praise that comes his way."

The Carer of the Year will be named at a glittering ceremony at The Dorchester Hotel in London on 13 December, along with awards for the Achiever 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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