My brain injury story started about 10 years ago with a strange noise in my right ear. After about 2 and a half years of doctors appointments, i ended up having an Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). I was then diagnosed with an Arteriovenous malformation (AVM). An Ear Nose and Throat specialist gave me the news, and later a Neurologist explained my only option was surgery.

Just over 4 years later, I was running on a Saturday morning. When all of a sudden, I had the worst headache imaginable. I had to sit down and wait for my friend, who figured out that I could be having a stroke, and she was right.

My AVM had ruptured. I was taken to hospital, where they put me in a medically induced coma for a few days. The stroke had affected by left side and I was unable to move my leg or arm. Thankfully, I don’t remember much of that part. After about a month in hospital, I planned to move to Rookwood Hospital for physio and rehabilitation. I had to learn to walk again.

I was extremely lucky to be alive and I try to be thankful every day – and now I walk everywhere! I love coming to the Headway Cardiff and SE Wales walking group every Tuesday and afterwards, I return to their Hawthorn Centre where I have made awesome friends and do things together outside of headway too!

I had just finished watching Wales thrash Scotland at the Millennium Stadium in 2014, and was the catching the train home, when I was attacked from behind. I spun around and my head hit the curb which fractured the back of my skull. When I was told I was being discharged, I walked home and went straight to my parents’ house – I’d completely forgotten that I owned my own home! Soon after, I began to suffer terrible pains in my head and I couldn’t stand, so within an hour I was back in hospital.

I was taken to the Royal Gwent Hospital’s A&E department, and later my GP referred me to Headway based at Cardiff’s Rookwood Hospital. Just one hour with the outreach worker at Headway gave my partner and I more useful information and advice than eight days in hospital.

Before my injury, I worked as a communications specialist with the Royal Navy. I had such big plans for when I left the armed forces and then this happened. I am getting better gradually but some days can be a real struggle. Because of my injury, I will never be able to work again, which is something I have learned to accept.

Biggest thing, is dealing with the fact that you have had a brain injury, understanding that you can’t change that, and that you won’t be the same person you were before. You just have to do your best.

Headway Cardiff and SE Wales have been there for me throughout my recovery, and I am always happy to join the walking group at Pedal Power. When Headway moved to their Llandough base I also volunteered my time and helped assemble some of their new furniture. I am so grateful to Headway.

I enjoy going to the walking group on a Thursday with Headway Cardiff and SE Wales, and to their Independence and Wellbeing Centre every Friday because it helps me to socialize with my friends or I can go in the garden and enjoy the sun by myself.