Neil , Jimmy, Anthony, Andrew, Gloria

Neil, Tony, Jimmy & Gloria

Neil

Hi I'm Neil, I am 54 years old

I had a stroke in 2001, I was going to work and

driving down the A19 the traffic was stuck so I stopped,

and I then had a stroke, I was taken to Harrogate hospital,

and stayed there for several weeks.

I was unable to return to work as a transport manager as I couldn’t walk although I could still talk. I moved to great Lumley in 2015 and then had another stroke in 2016.

I then moved back to Leeds and then to Spain to be with my family where I had my 3rd stroke which was brain stem stroke, Leaving me unable to eat, walk or talk.

I then returned to Sunderland my home town

Since my recovery I became involved with the stroke association and then soon after that started to attend Headway Wearside art and social group. I then became more involved and thought I would like to help others and share my experiences with others who have gone through the same situation as myself.

I wanted to make things better for others and talk on their behalf.

Tony

My name is Anthony but lots of people call me Tony.

I had a motorbike accident in 1978 when I was 21.

I suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury and a paralysed right arm.

I am a Trustee of Headway Wearside, a group I have been a

member of since it started.

I became a Trustee as I like to be involved with the group

planning and to give my opinion.

"his answer to why he's a trustee is that he is nosy! "

James

Gloria

My name is Gloria Finnigan and I worked for an Educational

charity as programme administrator, for many years when,

out of the blue, my life was changed forever.

My husband Tom had a stroke 9 years ago, which left him

with some after affects that can be seen and some which are

hidden but no less disabling.

I gave up work and became a full time career and so understand first hand the way brain injuries affect people but found our that every brain injury is different.

I have been involved with Headway for the last two years and have joined the trustees as I would like to give something back to an organisation which has helped us so much to understand and deal with Tom’s condition.