A woman who helps run a Spalding group for people who have suffered a brain injury, has won a national award.
Ann-Marie Smith (45), of Headway Lincolnshire has gone ‘above and beyond the call of duty,’ for the charity over the last 13 years.
She found herself ‘thrust’ into the world of brain injury when a close family member was attacked
Since that time, she has worked tirelessly to help improve the lives of others in the same situation that her and her family found themselves in.
Starting with just 12 hours funded per week, Ann-Marie built the brain injury support service and secured funding for her full-time position, as well as for an additional part time member of staff.
Anne-Marie, the coordinator and development officer, is now up for the national Extra Mile Award, for Headway staff.
She was nominated by community development Worker, Sue Lindridge.
“Ann-Marie is one of the kindest, caring, most thoughtful, understanding and supportive people I have ever met and a lot of people would be lost without her,” said Sue.
“She understands the constraints and impact of brain injuries on the individual’s life and their extended family.”
Headway – ‘the brain injury association’ supports a network of independent local Headway charities and volunteer-run branches in the UK.
In Lincolnshire, Ann-Marie travels around the county including setting-up the monthly group in Spalding while supported by a dedicated team of volunteers.
She has also raised thousands of pounds for the charity over the years.
Victoria Stevenson, from the Headway Lincolnshire’s board of trustees, said: “Ann-Marie battles through everything with strength, compassion and empathy and is truly the heart of Headway Lincolnshire.’’
