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Life after brain injury
When Harriette’s dad, Graham experienced a severe head injury after a fall at work, life changed overnight for the whole family. After months in hospital, he was able to return home, but the impact of his traumatic brain injury meant that daily life became unpredictable. He could become confused and occasionally frustrated.
Harriette and her mum, Deirdre, found themselves navigating caring for someone they love deeply without the specialist training, stability or support that brain injury often requires.
When Graham began to attend Oxford Head Injury Services, it quickly become a lifeline. From Harriette’s perspective, one of the greatest benefits has been seeing her mum able to have some much-needed time for herself and the chance to recharge, knowing that Graham is safe and supported.
Harriette has also seen a change in her dad. Attending Oxford Head Injury Services has given him routine and support. He enjoys building his strength in the gym and joining weekly farm visits. Our specialist gym means that Graham can attend regularly, which would not be possible in a standard gym.
She has also seen how her dad has become part of our community. He arrives with confidence and settles into his day with growing independence.
A celebration inspired by kindness
When planning her mum’s 60th birthday earlier this year, Harriette asked how she wanted to celebrate. Harriette and Deirdre share the same birthday, but this year Harriette wanted her Mum to be the focus. Deirdre suggested a party where guests could donate to Oxford Head Injury Services instead of bringing presents.
Harriette set up a fundraising page and QR code for guests, along with a raffle on the day: “We were shocked by how much we raised,” Harriette shared, “The generosity really showed how much mum means to everyone”.
For Harriette and Deirdre, the fundraiser was a way to acknowledge the difference Oxford Head Injury Services has made, giving Deirdre the chance to take essential breaks and giving Graham structure, confidence and community.
Harriette says: “I thought celebrating mum’s birthday in this way was a lovely idea. Without Oxford Head Injury Services, mum would not be able to experience the moments of normality she can now. Over the years my birthday was always the priority, but I wanted this one to be all about mum. For anyone else thinking of fundraising for a cause close to your heart, when you’ve been through something like we have, supporting a charity becomes genuinely meaningful and easy. You never expect to go through something like this, but when you do it puts everything into perspective. Big charities get the headlines but smaller ones that do so much good are important too.”
With heartfelt thanks
We are so grateful to Deirdre and Harriette, and their family and friends, for their kindness, generosity and trust and thinking of us on such a special occasion. Their story is a reminder of the strength families show in the face of brain injury and of the essential role community support plays in helping them navigate life after injury. Their kind donation will make a direct and lasting impact to the lives of the people we support.
Interested in Fundraising for us?
If you would like to fundraise for Oxford Head Injury Services, we would love to support you. Whether it’s a birthday, personal challenge or a community event. Every effort helps us continue to provide specialist care, rehabilitation and connection for people living with brain injury and their families. Please get in touch with our team to begin your fundraising journey.
