“Oxford Head Injury Services has changed my life, and has really helped me on my road to recovery. Without Headway, I do not believe I would have progressed as far as I have, and I finally feel like I’m getting my life back”
My Story – Andrew Baker
“I’m Andrew and I’m 27. I’ve been coming to the Center since early 2012. I know the ‘Tuesday’ group really well and love the way each one of us is different and unique. I enjoy the banter, laughs and humour we share and I have made some good friends. It’s really good to meet other people in similar situations that have survived brain injury and deal with everyday battles. I feel it has really helped me. Yoga is one therapy that I really enjoy— Loueze the instructor is lovely. Then there’s Patrick who makes physiotherapy so much fun. All the staff are friendly and helpful —and I love my Headway family. I suffered a brain injury at birth in June 1988 resulting in a wide range of medical problems, including speech and learning difficulties for which I received special ‘learning support’ schooling. On 12 October 1996, I was knocked over at school and suffered a bump to the head. At first the doctors ignored it, but three years later I started suffering from headaches. A scan confirmed that I had a form of haematoma. At the age of 12 I underwent an operation and, despite complications during surgery, pulled through. Thanks to those miraculous doctors I am here today—but rehabilitation is a long road of ups and downs. Oxford Head Injury Services has changed my life, and has really helped me on my road to recovery. Without Headway, I do not believe I would have progressed as far as I have, and I finally feel like I’m getting my life back. I would love to be like any other 25 year old’ but this will take time. With Headway’s help and through my physiotherapy programme, I might hopefully be able to kick a football about, or even run again. That would be fantastic. Despite all the ups and downs and the daily yo-yos that having a brain injury can bring, it’s great to just try and carry on with a positive, cheerful approach.”
