Rachel Rees, 54, won The Stephen McAleese Outstanding Contribution to Headway Award - sponsored by No5 Barristers’ Chambers – for her dedication helping local charity Headway South Manchester and Stockport.
The national awards programme, run by UK-wide charity Headway – the brain injury association, celebrates the outstanding achievements and contributions of people with brain injuries and those working to support them.
Rachel, who is from Heaton Moor, was presented with her award by double Olympic gold medallist James Cracknell, who is Vice President of the charity.
Rachel 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 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.”
Peter McCabe, Chief Executive of Headway – the brain injury association, said: “Rachel’s dedication to Headway South Manchester and Stockport is truly invaluable.
"To spend two decades selflessly volunteering for the charity is nothing short of exceptional.
“Her nomination included many comments which clearly showed how vital she has been to the group’s growing success.
"Her willingness to take on any job that's asked of her makes her the perfect volunteer and she is truly deserving of this award."Back
