THEY all have different stories to tell. From surviving debilitating strokes to being hit by a car, whether they are grandparents, mothers, fathers or single people, two key factors unite this group of people.

One is their determination to overcome their difficulties, the other is their praise for a charity that has changed their lives.

That charity is Kennington-based Headway Oxfordshire.

“Headway has been my saviour really,” said Abingdon dad-of-two Neil Harvey, who is just one of the people who attend the day centre regularly.

“I think I would have gone stir crazy otherwise.”

The 44-year-old was 31 and was walking home from his stag do when he was hit at 60mph by a driver under the influence of drugs.

He now has no memory of the first 31 years of his life, has 22 bolts in his back, titanium plates in his left arm and has difficulty with his mobility.

He has endured 18 operations since the accident.

Because of Headway, he is able to meet others who are living with a brain injury and have regular physiotherapy as well as receiving general support.

He added: “Headway offers support, friendship, the back-up.

“Without Headway, a massive amount of people’s lives would be so much worse.”

It was only a year ago that the brain injury charity was under threat of closure because of funding issues.

But the Big Lottery Fund stepped in, first awarding the charity £91,000 and then a three-year grant of £292,524 for its community brain injury project, which gives sufferers support, including in finding a job or joining a gym.

The cash meant the charity – which runs a day rehabilitation centre as well as community projects – was able to continue and it is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.

It also successfully bid for a three-year contract to provide services for Oxfordshire County Council and the county’s clinical commissioning group this year.

Now the charity, which already helps more than 400 people a year, is launching a fundraising drive to raise £150,000 to expand its site in Bagley Road.

Director Jamie Miller said the cash funding has been a relief, but they still need to fundraise.

He said: “We are investing quite a lot in our future here.

“One of the main things is to expand on our ability to provide a range of services.”

He hopes to add three wooden buildings to the site, which will allow a private space for physiotherapy and office space.

The extra space created could be used as quiet rooms for speech and language therapy.

They hope to install new washing facilities and toilets, upgrade the kitchen facilities and improve the garden area.

There are also plans for a cafe on the site where clients can practise their skills.

Mr Miller added: “This is going to make a real difference for the service users’ lives when they come here.

“This is a small investment and a huge gain for our service users.”

To find out more about Headway Oxfordshire, to make a donation or to volunteer, visit headwayoxford.org.uk or call 01865 326263

TIMELINE

A group of 10 people started Headway Oxford in 1982.

In 1988 the group became an official Headway group based at Oxford’s Rivermead Rehabilitation Centre.

In July 2002 Headway Oxford moved to its new and current premises at 4 Bagley Wood Road, Kennington.

In January 2011, the charity’s name was changed to Headway Oxfordshire.

Headway Oxfordshire now supports more than 400 individuals affected by brain injury every year and offers services five days a week.

‘Help whenever it’s needed’

Air Force reservist Grant Harris suffered a stroke aged just 45 in January 2012.The Wallingford 46-year-old now has mobility problems and relies on carers for everyday tasks such as washing.

He works at RAF Benson, but has been forced to take time off following the stroke.

Mr Harris said: “It is great to have somewhere to come to. Especially just having someone there to help you make that phone call for example.”

A chance to meet people

Retired clockmaker Philip Clark’s  life changed when he contracted encephalitis in October 2011.

The serious condition caused inflammation of the brain and ended up hospitalising the Headington Quarry 58-year-old.

He now attends Headway regularly for the social aspect, physiotherapy and brain training.

Mr Clark said: “Encephalitis has turned my life totally around.

“I have had to give up driving and my short-term memory is not what it should be.”

But he added: “Headway has changed my life because it has opened me up a bit more instead of being sat at home.

“It gives me more people to meet.”

Looking forward to visits

Great-grandmother-of-one Patricia Young has to rely on a wheelchair since suffering a stroke two years ago.

Mrs Young, who is also a grandmother of five, looks forward to attending Headway’s day centre regularly.

The 80-year-old from Kennington said: “I like the people at Headway. Everyone is really friendly.”