A dedicated volunteer chairperson is in the running for a national accolade for his commitment to supporting those affected by brain injury across St Andrews and North East Fife.
Headway North East Fife chairperson Graham Geddes has been nominated for Volunteer of the Year by leading brain injury charity Headway UK in their Annual Awards.
Each year, Headway UK holds a glittering awards ceremony celebrating the achievements and contributions of brain injury survivors, carers, volunteers, and others in the Headway community across the country.
Graham, from Newburgh, Fife, set up volunteer-led branch Headway North East Fife in September last year, to provide information, support and companionship to brain injury survivors across the St Andrews and wider North East Fife area.
Graham started out as a volunteer at Headway Perth and Kinross and was inspired to set up the North East Fife branch after noticing a gap in available and accessible support in the area.
Graham was put forward for the award by two members, Karen Wallace and Donalda Annan.
“Graham has our branch at heart in every way possible. From providing information, planning sessions and activities, and raising the branch’s profile to supporting more people affected by brain injury in the area – nothing is too much trouble for him.
“He has made me realise much more is possible with help and guidance, and I’m slowly coming out of my shell thanks to his hard work and understanding.”
Karen
“When I first went to the group Graham welcomed me with open arms and didn’t overwhelm me or ask questions about how I sustained my head injury.
“I have memory loss and Graham doesn’t rush me; he lets me speak at my own pace. He has a way of putting people at ease, and that makes him perfect for our chairperson.
“He has done amazingly well at setting up Headway North East Fife and ensuring there is a service for survivors like myself in the area.”
Donalda
Upon learning he was in the final three in the Volunteer of the Year category, Graham said:
“It’s such an honour to have been nominated.
“I was really shocked when I heard I was a finalist! It really means a lot to me.
“I’m deeply proud of the work Headway North East Fife does for brain injury survivors in the area.
“I couldn’t do what I do without our amazing committee and members- I’m so thankful to know and work alongside each and every one of them.”
