Rachel Rees, from Heaton Moor, will find out if he she has won along with two other nominees from across the UK for The Stephen McAleese Outstanding Contribution to Headway Award - sponsored by No5 Barristers’ Chambers.
Rachel, aged 54, has been volunteering at Headway South Manchester and Stockport since 1993 and her commitment to help people with brain injuries has been unwavering.
Rachel said she was overwhelmed when she found out she had been shortlisted for the award.
She said: “I was very proud to be nominated, especially in this category as I had met and had regular contact with Stephen McAleese in his capacity as representative for our region. He was a lovely man and an inspirational figure who worked tirelessly on behalf of brain injury survivors, so to reach the final of the award created in his memory is even more special to me.”
Rachel said seeing how the charity’s service users grow in confidence has been a source of great joy to her over the past two decades.
She said: “Seeing our members grow in confidence and happiness as they spend time at our drop-in centre has been incredibly inspiring.
“I have also made such amazing friends and met some incredibly resilient people from varied backgrounds from whom I’ve learned so much about life, and about myself.”
Rachel was nominated by brain injury survivor Stephen Davies.
“Our service users have said on a regular basis that Rachel is their “guardian angel” and she always shows people such compassion and consideration,” said Stephen.
“Rachel has been on the committee since 1993 and she goes above and beyond what is required from her, everyone who has any dealings with the group all appreciate her effort.
“The group are amazed at how she finds the time due to her having a busy work schedule and family commitments but Rachel continues to be energetic and fully dedicated in supporting all the members. She is a very trustworthy individual and we all feel that nothing is too much trouble for her, she gives her time freely. Headway is like our family and if it was not for Rachel we would be lost’.”
Rachel was also nominated by brain injury survivor Melanie Whittaker.
She said: “I suffered a haemorrhage in 2011 and the support I got from Rachel was truly amazing. She gave her time with such kindness. She is a tireless fighter for those of us with brain injuries.”
Rachel will find out whether she will win the Stephen McAleese Outstanding Contribution to Headway Award, sponsored by No5 Barristers Chambers, at a glittering ceremony at the InterContinental Hotel on Friday, 6 December.
Each year, the Headway Annual Awards celebrate the exceptional efforts of survivors of brain injury, and those caring for and supporting them. Awards for Carer, Volunteer and Achiever of the Year will also be presented.
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