Rotherham women recognised for supporting people impacted by brain injuries
“I feel incredibly privileged to be able to make a difference in the lives of the people we support every day”
A pair of Rotherham women have been celebrated for their unwavering commitment to supporting people impacted by brain injuries.
Mum-of-three, Leasa Ward, who supports her 25-year-old son to navigate life after two traumatic brain injuries, and charity worker, Sadie Bratt, have both been nominated for awards for their outstanding commitment.
The awards, organised by national brain injury association, Headway UK, celebrate the achievements and dedication of exceptional people across the brain injury community.
Leasa, aged 51, has been put forward to receive the Carer of the Year award in recognition of her support of her son, Mitchell, who sustained a traumatic brain injury after he was hit by a car in 2011, aged just nine years old.
Mitchell, now 25, suffers from epilepsy as a result of his injuries and sadly sustained another brain injury last October, after a seizure in a shop caused him to hit his head.
This second injury has brought new difficulties for Mitchell, who has previously enjoyed trying out new activities like skiing, swimming, gardening and DJ lessons.
His mobility is now limited, but Leasa remains dedicated to ensuring he can live life to the fullest.
“Mitchell is amazing and unbelievably strong. He’s so funny, very loving and caring. He’s just an incredible boy,” she says.
Leasa insists she is “only doing what any mother would do”, but her friend and Mitchell’s Occupational Therapist, Suzanna Anthony, says she is “part mum, part carer and part superhero”.
A charity worker from Rawmarsh has also been nominated for the association’s Extra Mile Award, which recognises those who go above and beyond in their roles.
Sadie Bratt, aged 50, has supported brain injury survivors and their families across Rotherham for 22 years, developing new social activities for Headway Rotherham, which have included bingo, quizzes and chair-based exercises.
Sadie also launched the charity’s weekly Hub sessions, which provide a space for people with brain injuries and their families to come together for support, friendship and a sense of routine.
She thinks of working at Headway as more than just a job. “I feel incredibly privileged to be able to make a difference in the lives of the people we support every day,” she said.
Winners for the Headway Annual Awards, sponsored by Charles Stanley Raymond James, will be announced on Thursday, December 10 at The Royal Lancaster in London.