December 10, 2018 1.19 pm This story is over 63 months old

Brain damaged baron wins national award

He raised money and awareness for a national charity

A Lincoln man who sustained a serious brain injury has won a national award after dedicating his time to helping others.

When Andy fell head first down a partially built stairwell, doctors told him he was lucky to live.

Despite short term memory loss, constant headaches, epilepsy and coordination issues, Andy Nicholson decided to take part in a charity walk.

He joined his friends and supporters for the sponsored walk and managed to raise more than £1,000 for a national charity.

Now the 47-year-old has won the Alex Richardson Achiever of the Year Award at a national ceremony.

The awards programme is organised by a national charity, called Headway, which celebrates the outstanding achievements and contributions of people with brain injuries.

Peter McCabe, chief executive of Headway, said: “Despite his own challenges, Andy’s dedication to help other people come to terms with the ongoing consequences of brain injury is relentless.

“He is a very popular member of Headway’s online community and is always ready to offer help and provide support to people.

“On top of this, he is always thinking of ways to support Headway and raise awareness of both our work and brain injury in general. He is very deserving of this award.”

Andy and his wife ahead of the walk. Photo: Connor Creaghan for The Lincolnite

The Lincolnite met Andy ahead of his walk this summer, where he said that the money raised and awareness was essential.

He said: “Raising money is vital, but I think it is even more important to increase people’s understanding of what life is like for someone with brain injuries. Raising awareness is now my mission in life.

“People don’t see my chronic fatigue, short-term memory problems, lack of co-ordination, the fact that I am partially-sighted or suffer from epilepsy.”