Headway Wearside Trustees
Anthony Lambelle [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! "
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Gloria Finnigan
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.
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John Pope
I joined Headway Wearside as a trustee in 2024, bringing both personal passion and professional expertise to support the vital work.
As Clinical Director of North Star Rehab, I work directly with people and families affected by brain injury as a Specialist Occupational Therapist. Over my 18-year career, I've gained experience across various settings, from lecturing to serving as a Specialist Advisor for the Care Quality Commission.
I'm passionate about the role of sport in building healthy communities. This led me to create sporting opportunities in Washington—work that earned me the RFU National Honda Volunteer of the Year award in 2024. I believe sport plays a crucial role in community health and wellbeing.
I've proudly worn the Headway Wearside vest while completing the Great North Run, helping raise funds for this amazing charity
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Anne Egan- Just one more
​HI, I am Anne and I am married to John, a traumatic brain injury survivor of 7 years. If he had had just one more maintenance job to go to before a final job later in the afternoon and my husband would not have been using his spare time to keep busy by tidying up his employer’s workshop. He set about correctly storing some heavy building equipment which while he was moving fell over, hitting both sides of his head, knocking him against a wall and then to the ground. It was some time before he was found unconscious on the floor of the workshop but thanks to the speedy arrival, quick assessment of ambulance crew and initial care in A & E he is here today, walking, talking, and managing his injuries. Headway Wearside also provided John with much needed emotional support and guidance on coping with brain injuries in the early days and I, his carer continue the relationship with Headway as a Trustee. Perhaps, if he had been unconscious for just one more minute or just another half hour he would not be here today.
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Derek Nicholson
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James Dowell [Jimmy ]
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