“Brain injuries can shatter the lives of an entire family. I never imagined this would happen to mine, but it did. That’s why I’m asking if you’ll help fund more life-changing brain research.”
My name is Shannon and I am writing to you, as a valued supporter of Brain Research UK, because something terrible happened to my Dad.
On the morning of 3rd February 2024, my brother found Dad collapsed and unconscious on the kitchen floor. Without hesitation, he cleared his airway and started CPR. Dad had suffered a catastrophic brain injury - and my brother’s actions saved his life.
In an instant, our world turned upside down. An air ambulance and paramedics rushed to our home. I’ve never felt shock or fear like it. I remember thinking, “I’m only 24 years old. I’m too young to lose my Dad.”
"Before his injury, Dad was fit and healthy."
Before his injury, Dad was fit and healthy. Even the night before, he’d just felt a little sick -nothing that seemed serious. At the hospital, we were told he needed immediate, life-saving brain surgery. They warned us that even if he survived, he might not recognise us or be able to communicate and could spend the rest of his life in a care home.
In 2024, after his injury, Dad recovered in a neuro-rehabilitation unit supported by specialist therapists. One year later, after being told he wouldn’t get into rehab, let alone come home again because of the severity of his injury, he was able to come home for good.
“Without brain research, his rehabilitation would not have been possible.”
Just over two years later, and after 5 brain surgeries, Dad is still with us. His recovery has been remarkable – he’s conscious, knows who we are, and can talk, eat and drink independently. He’s having daily physio to get him up and about, he’s learning to walk with a stick, and continues to progress every day.
Without brain research, Dad’s recovery simply wouldn’t have been possible. His recovery feels like a miracle.
My Dad is my best friend. His injury changed our lives forever - but it also gave me a powerful determination to help others facing the same unimaginable journey.
This journey remains incredibly hard. Brain injury doesn’t go away when you’re released from hospital. There are ongoing physical, emotional and mental battles - not just for Dad, but for our entire family.
Dad’s brain injury hit our whole family very hard. I will be forever grateful for all the research that goes into neurological conditions such as traumatic brain injury. But researchers can only make advances because of generous people like you.
“Please join me in continuing to help fund more life-changing research.”
Thank you for taking the time to read my story. I hope you’ll share this appeal with others and help ensure more families can hold on to hope when they need it most.
With sincere thanks,
Shannon
On behalf of Brain Research UK
