Selfless Newcastle carer who helped husband play football again after brain injury up for award

A Newcastle woman who has supported her husband for 18 years including physically helping him to play football again following a brain injury - has been nominated for a national award.

Sue Giles' husband Dave, 69, suffered a hypoxic brain injury after he had a heart attack 18 years ago and as a result has lost much of his speech and some mobility. Sue, now 65, then quickly found herself navigating a very different life path for herself and Dave.

As avid music fans, the couple regularly attended gigs together, but this became increasingly difficult after Dave’s brain injury. However determined to see Dave not miss out, Sue has continued to make sure her husband has enjoyed lots of different experiences, including adapted cycling sessions.

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One sport in particular - which according to his award nominator, Jo Wallis, Special Clinical Lead at Headway Tyneside, said Dave ‘absolutely loves' is football. The effects of Dave's injury however meant he was unable to play.

"Dave has always been an avid football fan, with a substantial wardrobe of Newcastle United shirts to prove it!" Jo said, adding: "Unfortunately, Dave’s mobility following his brain injury means that even Headway Tyneside’s specialist Walking Football sessions are difficult for him."

However Sue found a way to break through the barriers by supporting him physically so that he can still participate. Providing hands-on assistance throughout the game, Sue has enabled Dave to maintain his balance, as he cannot walk unaided.

Jo added: "She’ll often draw upon her inner gymnast to stretch her leg out to dramatically stop the ball from going in the back of the net, all whilst maintaining Dave’s safe standing position. Come rain or shine, Sue is there ensuring that Dave can join in with the football. They become a four-legged goalkeeper!"

Sue and Dave have attended Headway Tyneside for the last 10 years. Headway - the UK's leading brain injury charity - offers support for survivors and their families and careers - including opportunities for physical exercise, such as Dave's favourite football.

Jo says Sue’s kindness and generosity stretches far beyond her support of Dave -which led to the nomination for this prestigious award, adding: "Sue 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. She has such a kind, generous and selfless nature that I doubt she recognises how much people in the group value her," Jo added.

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 enough to hold one of our social groups within Walkergate Park, a local specialist neurorehabilitation centre, where current inpatients and their families can attend and get a feel for what Headway might mean to them following discharge," Jo explained.

"Sue often shares what she has learned and gone through over the last two decades 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’s dedication to David and her kindness towards others has led to her becoming one of just three finalists for Headway’s Carer of the Year Award.

The accolade, sponsored by law firm Hugh James, will be presented by Headway - the brain injury association at its glittering awards ceremony on December 5 at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House in Mayfair.

Speaking of her nomination, Sue said: "It has really lifted my spirits. It came as a total shock and a lovely surprise all at the same time. Caring for my husband Dave has its difficulties, but I’m forever grateful we have been given this extra time with him.

"We are so lucky to also have the support of Headway. The staff are amazing and our group is like a large family. I have made many friends who give me great support through the tougher times. They always make everyone feel so comfortable and supported."

Whilst Jo concluded: ”Sue and Dave are a team for life, both on and off the football pitch. She’s 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."