Jersey charity to mark 20th anniversary by helping even more Islanders

Monday 02 January 2017

Headway – the Island’s only brain injury charity - says 2016 has been busier than ever, and that funding continues to be a big challenge.

But, it hopes 2017 – its 20th year – will see it offer even more support to Islanders.

It costs £350,000 a year to run Headway. Only £29,000 of that comes from Health and Social Services. The rest comes from fund raising events.

According to the charity, one of the highlights of 2016 was the amazing feat of Ana Goncalves. She ran 30 marathons in 30 days to help raise the profile of the charity and swell its coffers. Her achievement saw her being nominated for the ITV Pride of Britain Awards.

Ray Cooper, the charity’s CEO said: “It has been a strong year for Headway, you only have to look at the support we have received from Islanders who recognise the important work we do.

From all our corporate supporters like Salamanca group, to our London marathon runners and inspiring people like Ana and also Brian Marr who completed his personal challenge to walk Camino del Norte clocking up over 800 kilometres raising over £5,000.

What is evident this year is that with increased early referrals the quicker and more impact we can have in supporting an Islander’s successful rehabilitation. It in turn allows us to improve and fine-tune what Islanders need to ensure their quality of life following such a traumatic experience.

Looking ahead, we have also been able to strengthen our team, which I know will assist in taking the charity forward as we head towards our 20^th anniversary.”