Congratulations to Sue Giles, 'Carer of the Year' finalist
Carer of the Year Finalist
Headway Tyneside is thrilled to share that Sue Giles has been announced as one of three finalists at Headway’s National Annual Awards. She has been invited to a special ceremony in London this December. This award celebrate the extraordinary care Sue provides for her husband Dave to enable him to live life to the fullest, as well as giving everyone at Headway Tyneside the opportunity to thank her for the kindness she offers to us all.
Safe Pair of Hands
Have you ever seen a four-legged goalkeeper before? No?! Well, you don’t know Sue and Dave then!
Sue’s husband, Dave, loves football. Both watching it and playing it. Unfortunately, Dave’s mobility following his hypoxic brain injury means that even Headway Tyneside’s weekly Walking Football sessions are difficult for him. However, Sue has found a way to break through the barriers by supporting him physically so that he can still participate. Come rain or shine, Sue is there ensuring that Dave can join in with the football.
Sue has made sure her husband has enjoyed lots of different experiences, including adapted cycling sessions and Look Ahead in the North. Sue and Dave are a team for life, and this really shines through whenever you see them together.
Sue’s kindness and generosity stretches far beyond her support of Dave. She is always willing to offer lifts and make sure members get to other activities; she doesn’t bat an eye at transporting a car full of Headway Tyneside members to our social groups. Somehow, Sue still has room in her heart to make sure the rest of the group are happy and have what they need.
Dave and Sue are a formidable double act on the football field!
Navigating Life After Brain Injury
Not only is Sue’s support priceless to existing Headway Tyneside members, but she is also a great support to family members whose loved ones have only recently sustained a brain injury. We are fortunate to hold one of our social groups within a specialist neurorehabilitation centre, where current inpatients and their families attend and get a feel for what Headway might mean to them following discharge. Sue often shares what she has learned and gone through over the last 18 years with newcomers – daunted and nervous family members who are in need of a warm, friendly and understanding peer. Sue’s openness has been invaluable to so many people who are just starting to learn how to navigate their lives following huge changes to the lives of their loved ones.
Sue is an all-round fabulous woman with a huge heart and a warm smile. All of us at Headway Tyneside think she deserves to know just how wonderful she is. We will all have our fingers crossed for the awards ceremony… though you’re already a winner in our eyes!
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