A WELSH retired engineer who sustained a brain injury in an assault 20 years ago has won a national award for his remarkable dedication to helping others.
Alec Williams, from Cardiff, has won Volunteer of the Year by national charity Headway – the brain injury association at their Annual Awards event, held at the five-star Royal Lancaster Hotel.
Each year, Headway UK holds a glittering awards ceremony celebrating the achievements and contributions of brain injury survivors, carers, volunteers, and others in the Headway community across the country.
Alec was assaulted outside a Barry Island nightclub in June 2003 and was left on life-support.
The 61-year-old sustained a traumatic brain injury and struggled with his memory – including not remembering his wife’s name and the birth of his third daughter. The incident meant he has never been able to return to work or drive again, and he still struggles with coordination.
Following his injury, Alec joined Headway Cardiff and South East Wales and has been a Support Volunteer for 20 years at the charity’s small weekly group session, which supports people who have the most profound disabilities as a result of their brain injuries.
Alec was put forward for the award, which is sponsored by Anthony Gold Solicitors LLP, by Headway Cardiff and South East Wales CEO Rebecca Pearce for his willingness to help others.
When asked how it feels to win Volunteer of the Year, Alec said: “With having a brain injury, winning an award is something I never thought I’d have in my life, but it’s made my day!
“Before I came to Headway, I didn’t want to live to be honest. I’d gone from being an electrician, in charge of about 30 people, to suddenly not knowing my wife’s name.
“But then I found Headway, and went on to volunteer, which I’ve done for 20 years.
“Volunteering is so important to me. I get so much out of it. It’s helped me with my brain injury too.”
In his volunteering role at Headway Cardiff and South East Wales, Alec supports clients to socialise, take part in activities and develop and maintain skills.
One recent scenario saw Alec spring into action to help a fellow client after he became concerned about the client’s no-show at the centre.
Alec agreed to check in on him on his way home with another service user, and after managing to gain access to the client’s flat, they found him collapsed on the bathroom floor.
Alec waited with him for the ambulance, and he and wife Laila regularly visited him in hospital, taking care of his washing and working with Headway Cardiff and South East Wales to ensure a smooth discharge back home with the support required.
Rebecca Pearce, CEO of Headway Cardiff and South East Wales, said: “We can always rely on Alec to be the first to approach new members to make sure they feel welcome and at home.
“He has become integral to the charity and Headway Cardiff and South East Wales would be the poorer without him.”
Luke Griggs, Chief Executive at Headway UK, said: “Alec has spent two decades of his life using his personal experience to help others, ensuring they feel less alone in navigating life after brain injury.
“His unwavering commitment to supporting others while also raising awareness of brain injury is nothing short of incredible.”
