Huge congratulations to James, who was named Disability Player of the Year at the Newcastle United Foundation awards ceremony earlier this month
Walking Football Award Winner
James underwent surgery to remove a non-malignant cyst on his brain in his 40s, but the next day he suffered a stroke, leaving him temporarily paralysed. He used a wheelchair for six months, navigating life with a brain injury. It was 14 years of recovery before James could consider playing sport again.
In April 2022, Headway Tyneside and Newcastle United Foundation joined forces to create a walking football session exclusively for participants with acquired brain injuries. James joined these sessions in their early stages and found that he had a great flair for football, having never played before. Over time, his confidence improved, and he joined other walking football sessions run by the Foundation. James is enjoying making up for every minute of lost time.
Watch James's story
Headway Tyneside’s walking football sessions have played a huge part in building James’s confidence, skills and social connections following his brain injury.
This award honours his resilience over the last two decades and his remarkable recovery.