What a truly special day at Headway Sussex 💙
On 10th July, we had the enormous privilege of hosting a very special celebration at our Newick Hub in honour of one of Headway Sussex’s founding members, Pam Marks BEM.
Surrounded by family, friends, clients, supporters, volunteers, staff and trustees, Pam celebrated receiving her British Empire Medal in recognition of a remarkable lifetime of voluntary service to communities across Sussex.
The Lord-Lieutenant of West Sussex, Lady Emma Barnard, formally presented Pam with her British Empire Medal. In a deeply moving speech, Lady Emma paid tribute to Pam’s extraordinary lifetime of service and shared words of gratitude on behalf of His Majesty King Charles III, recognising the life-changing difference Pam has made to so many people.
And then came a moment none of us could have planned… 💙
During the ceremony, one of our clients, Wayne, spontaneously called out:
“THANK GOD FOR HEADWAY SUSSEX!”
It was heartfelt, emotional and captured exactly why Pam’s legacy remains so important.
More than 40 years ago, Pam helped create support for people affected by acquired brain injury in Sussex after her husband, Bob, sustained a severe brain injury. At a time when there was virtually no local support for survivors or their families, Pam joined forces with other families and helped establish what was then known as Headway Hurstwood Park.
What began as a small support network grew into the Headway Sussex we know today.
Our support groups, wellbeing and rehabilitation activities, hospital liaison services and community support all form part of the extraordinary legacy Pam helped create.
Ian Foster, Chief Executive of Headway Sussex, said:
“Pam’s impact on the lives of people affected by brain injury in Sussex cannot be overstated. When there was no support available, she helped create it. Her compassion, resilience and determination have changed countless lives and created a legacy that continues to support people every day.”
We were also honoured to welcome Mims Davies MP, who attended to personally celebrate Pam’s achievement and recognise the work of Headway Sussex. We are incredibly grateful for her time and determination to attend, reflecting her personal connection to and longstanding support for our charity.
For Pam, celebrating at Headway Sussex was particularly meaningful. Seeing her surrounded by so many people whose lives have been touched by the organisation she helped establish made the day even more special.
A huge thank you must also go to Creative Culture and Sam Dade, who made time in her busy schedule to beautifully capture the day through photography and video. We are so grateful for her support and for the lasting memories she has created for Pam, her family and Headway Sussex.
💙 Help us keep Pam’s legacy alive
The support network Pam helped create more than four decades ago remains as vital today as ever.
As demand for our services continues to grow, we rely heavily on donations and fundraising to continue supporting people living with acquired brain injury and their families across Sussex.
If you would like to honour Pam’s remarkable legacy, please consider supporting Headway Sussex.
Every contribution helps us continue the work Pam started more than 40 years ago.
Thank you, Pam. What an extraordinary legacy. 💙
The Headway Sussex Team
