Action for Brain Injury Week 2025
Action for Brain Injury Week (ABI Week) is Headway’s flagship annual awareness campaign and a key moment in our calendar to champion those affected by brain injury.
Led by Headway UK, the campaign aims to deepen public understanding of brain injury and highlight the very real, yet often hidden, challenges people face every day. From changes in memory and mood to difficulties with movement and communication, brain injury can affect every part of life.
ABI Week brings together individuals, communities, organisations, and policymakers to raise awareness, spark conversations, and build a more supportive and informed society for all those living with the long-term effects of brain injury.
On a Good Day
This year’s campaign ‘On a Good Day,’ shines a light on the ever-changing and unpredictable reality of life after brain injury. Showing the contrast between what’s possible on a good day—and what becomes challenging on a tough one.
Brain injuries can bring a wide range of symptoms that shift without warning. Some days feel full of energy and potential, others can be overwhelming—and every day is different.
Making the campaign
Jack Rutter, Lorna Collins, Raj Gataora and Katie Stratton were amongst a group of people who shared their experiences and challenges with Headway UK as part of the campaign.
Meet Jack
Jack had been on the verge of signing a professional contract with Birmingham City when, in the early hours of 22 March 2009, he was the victim of an unprovoked attack on a night out with friends.
He was punched in the head and fell to the ground, striking his head on the kerb. Just one punch – one moment of senseless violence – changed Jack’s life forever.
Jack spent two weeks in a coma in intensive care before the reality of his brain injury gradually began to sink in.
But Jack’s football dreams weren’t over, he is now a GB Paralympic footballer, with 14 England caps to his name – nine of them as captain.
On a good day he goes to work and the gym, and loves to play football.
But on a bad day he has depression and anxiety, and struggles with his temper.
Meet Lorna
Lorna Collins was ‘destined for glory’ in the equestrian world when a fall from her horse at age 18 saw her Grand National dreams come to an abrupt halt.
In 2000, she landed on her head when her horse tripped over during a training session. She sustained a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and developed a number of psychiatric illnesses.
“After the brain injury I woke up with total amnesia. I forgot
my life history and didn’t remember anyone around me.”
Now 43, Lorna actively advocates for brain injury survivors and raises awareness with her work, ‘A Creative Transformation’
– a research project and practical service for people with brain injuries, centred around the art of creativity.
A good day to Lorna includes being organised with work and enjoying her many hobbies – including writing, art and riding.
A bad day can see Lorna battle dizziness, fatigue and hallucinations.
You can read more about Lorna’s and watch her video here
Meet Raj
Raj Gataora was 21 years old and working in a pub to
make money to help fund himself through university.
One night, at around 11.30pm, Raj’s life changed completely. He was driving home from a shift through terrible weather conditions when a deer ran in front
of his car, causing him to swerve and crash.
After the crash, Raj was told that he had sustained
a brain injury.
“Life has been very challenging to be honest with you. Doctors told my parents that I wouldn’t eat, I wouldn’t drink, I wouldn’t breathe by myself. But look at me now
– I’m doing all those things.”
On a good day Raj enjoys rock climbing, going to the gym and socialising with friends over a coffee.
On a bad day he feels angry, withdrawn and overwhelmed.
You can read more about Raj’s and watch his video here
Meet Katie
Katie was a happy, healthy mum-of-two when she was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2019, aged 29.
After returning home from a holiday Katie ‘took a funny turn’.
“I couldn’t feel the right-hand side of my face, my right arm and right leg.”
Doctors diagnosed her with a benign Meningiomas brain tumour and operated on it in a matter of weeks.
And even though they successfully removed the tumour,
Katie now suffers from a variety of fluctuating symptoms.
On a good day she can be found dancing around her house
or belting out her favourite songs at her singing group.
On a bad day Katie has fatigue and headaches, struggles with her concentration and memory, and walks with a stick to keep her balance.
You can read more about Katie and watch her video here – https://www.headway.org.uk/about-brain-injury/individuals/brain-injury-and-me/katies-story-on-a-good-day/
If you have been impacted by brain injury and would like to speak to someone please contact us.
At Headway Essex we work hard to provide emotional and practical, support and advice and can help you to manage the changes in your life following brain injury.
We can support you, and your family and loved ones from the early stages of your injury and at any point in your life when we are needed.
You can contact us on 01206 845945 or email abisupport@headway essex.org.uk
If you have been inspired by Jack, Lorna, Raj and Katie’s stories and you are able to help Headway Essex support others with an acquired brain injury, please get involved – by donating, volunteering, or taking part in a Headway Essex event.
