Cari grew up in Cardiff and studied law as an undergraduate at Nottingham University before returning to Cardiff to undertake her post graduate legal practice course. In 2005 she joined Hugh James and qualified as a solicitor in 2008 working in the Neurolaw Team which represents clients who have sustained life changing brain and spinal cord injuries. In 2016 Cari became a Partner at Hugh James and she has enjoyed supporting Headway since 2006.

After approximately 7 years on the Fundraising Committee for Headway Cardiff and South East Wales, Cari was appointed as a Trustee in 2022 and agreed to become our Chair in 2024.

Cari is mum of two and enjoys running and all things sporty and musical!

Andrew Harding is a Partner at Hugh James Solicitors and heads up their Personal Injury team. He has been involved with Headway Cardiff since 1995 and is the Welsh Representative on the Headway UK Board of Trustees. Andrew was our Chair for a number of years before stepping down in 2024. Andrew was a member of the Rehabilitation Working Party who contributed to the 2006 Neuroscience Review.

Pete Mayle has been pivotal to the development of Headway Cardiff since his son sustained a serious brain injury in 1992. Pete has first hand experience of the difficulties encountered by carers. He has volunteered in the Independence & Wellbeing Centre. He stepped down from the Treasurer role in September 2022.

Alison Culverwell, is a personal injury solicitor, who specialises in brain injury cases. Ali has been a Trustee since 1999 and her considerable experience in the field give her insight into both the effect of brain injury on the individual, but also on the family.

Linda started volunteering at the Independence and Wellbeing centre in 2019 having held a long term interest in brain injury and people since studying Psychology at University. She joined the Board of Trustees in 2020. Linda took on the role of Secretary in September 2022.

Nicola joined the board as our new Treasurer in May 2022. Nicola works for Hugh James Cardiff as an Accounts Coordinator. Prior to that most of her working career has been within the Financial Services Sector. When Nicola’s not working or studying she enjoys plenty of outdoor hobbies such as horse-riding, walking, and cycling.

Jeff worked in IT for many years at University’s in Newport & Pontypridd, and is able to support the Board with expertise in this area. Jeff himself sustained a serious brain injury when he fell off a skateboard as a 17 year old. Although Jeff has made a remarkable recovery, he has first hand knowledge of the long-lasting effects of brain injury and is able to represent our service users.

Vicky Richards is the Clinical Nurse Team Leader of the Community Brain Injury Team based at Rookwood Hospital. She is also a specialist Case Manager and qualified Counsellor, having worked with ABI survivors for over 20 years. Vicky became a Trustee in early 2014.

Sarah is an Occupational Therapist with over 30 years’ experience, mainly working with clients with ABI. This was both in hospital settings and the Community Brain Injury team. She is also a Specialist Case Manager. She joined the Board of Trustees in March 2020.

Jo joined the board as a Trustee in March 2017. As a specialist social worker, she has a vast experience in working with people with Acquired Brain Injury. She is a fully qualified counsellor and provides weekly sessions for our members on a voluntary basis.

Clive has been volunteering at the Independence and Welfare Centre since November 2018 after retiring from Cardiff University where he worked as a Quality Assurance Officer. He sustained a subarachnoid haemorrhage in 2014 and joined the Board of Trustees in April 2023.