Headway celebrates 20th birthday

Saturday 15 July 2017

Headway Jersey's annual awareness week begins on Monday with the brain injury charity celebrating 20 years of service to the island.

The charity was founded in 1997 by a group of islanders led by Senator Andrew Green, who also acted as its Chairman.

Beginning with just seven members, the charity now supports over 140 islanders and their families.

Over the two decades the charity has been in operation, it has supported a number of campaigns whilst working closely with the States of Jersey Police and the Road Safety Panel to encourage the use of helmets for children whilst riding push bikes.

One of the events taking place during brain injury awareness week is 'Hats for Headway Day' on 21 July, where fundraisers don headgear to raise money for the charity.

The success has been continued by the leadership of the current CEO Ray Cooper supported by the Chairman Phillip Sturgess, board of directors and a hardworking dedicated team of staff and volunteers. Mr Cooper says the 20th year is a time to reflect on the charity's achievements, saying: “As we turn the page of the next chapter of the unlikely story that is Headway Jersey, it is time to look back and remind ourselves of the shoulders of which we stand on.

"Every volunteer, staff member, fundraiser, or supporter can take great pride in this shared achievement. This is an island success story because it is through the support of the shared community we know for a fact that hundreds of islanders have had their lives improved forever.

"We have made a real difference to many and it's through our voice they get to say thank you. I wish to pay my own tribute to the tireless efforts of everyone connected with Headway Jersey and especially to the members and families we support who continue to inspire us every day."

For more information, visit the Headway Jersey website.