A newly qualified nurse who suffered a life-changing brain injury following a devastating car accident has praised a Lincolnshire charity for providing vital support during her recovery.

Headway Lincolnshire, which is celebrating its 35 anniversary this year, has been helping Claire Campbell, 46, from Lincoln, and her mother Marlene, who is now her daughter’s full-time carer, since the accident happened in 2001.

Claire, then aged 25, was driving on the A46 between Grimsby and Lincoln to collect her nurse’s uniform when she was involved in the crash. Her car veered off the road down a 30-foot embankment and she smashed her head against the inside of the car, suffering a traumatic head injury.

Claire’s life changed within a split second; she spent the following five months in Lincoln County Hospital and was in a coma for nearly eight weeks. The accident and the resulting brain injury stopped both her career and her life in their tracks.

Over 20 years on from the car crash, Claire is living with the physical and cognitive side effects of her brain injury. Her mum Marlene, 73, is her fulltime carer as she has mobility issues and struggles to walk for long periods unaided. She also suffers from slurred and slow speech.

One thing Claire wants to raise awareness of is that brain-injured people often require more time to complete tasks.

“I always wear my sunflower lanyard when I’m out and about as a sign that I have a hidden disability,” she said.

“I also have my brain injury identity card from the National Police Chiefs Council which lists the problems I face: speech difficulties, memory loss, limited mobility and fatigue. On a good day I may be able to walk down the road on my own but in the past when people have seen me, I’ve been accused of being drunk because my walking isn’t stable. It’s so frustrating. Brain damage isn’t visible.”

As she was recovering from her injuries in hospital, Claire got in touch with Headway Lincolnshire after spotting a poster on the ward promoting their services.

Since then, Claire and Marlene have both benefited from the support and contacts available through the charity.

“In a county like Lincolnshire, which has very few facilities for the head injured, Headway Lincolnshire is absolutely fantastic,” said Claire.

“As well as providing a point of contact, they run multiple support groups and social events and our co-ordinator Ann-Marie is always available to talk to along with the charity’s trustees and physiotherapists like Jane Reams. They’ve been a godsend.

“The team is absolutely brilliant at organising events like lunches, bowling trips and days out. It’s about becoming socially active again and speaking to others who’ve had similar experiences.

“I also receive activity packs from Headway Lincolnshire to keep me occupied, with things like crossword puzzles, wellbeing packs, treats, recipes and seeds to plant. It’s something to look forward to and really helps me focus my brain,” said Claire.

Ann-Marie Smith, Co-Ordinator and Development Officer at Headway Lincolnshire, said: “What people often forget is that people with brain injuries led fulfilling lives before their injuries.

“Tragically Claire was on her way to pick up her nurse’s uniform and ended up on the very ward that she was supposed to be working on.

“It just takes one split second – and your life and the lives of those around you are changed forever.”

Headway Lincolnshire, a regional branch of Headway UK, supports survivors and their families across the county living with a brain injury following a stroke, epilepsy, a physical assault or a life-changing car or sporting accident for example.

The Headway Lincolnshire team is currently inviting people to join them in honouring 35 years of service at its anniversary celebration in the Legends Lounge at Lincoln City FC’s LNER Stadium.

The celebration event will be held on Friday 20th May 2022 from 7pm onwards and will include a light buffet.

Guests are encouraged to bring wacky hats or headwear as the anniversary is being held on the official Hats for Headway Day during National Action for Brain Injury Week.

If you would like to attend, contact Ann-Marie Smith by 7th May by email at info@headwaylincolnshire.org.uk

If you have a brain injury, or care for someone who does, and would like more information or help to find the most appropriate support available, visit the Headway Lincolnshire website.