Fundraising | 08.08.2024 | By: Roxanne Thomas

Support Catherine’s September Swim

Good Afternoon,

We are thrilled to share the inspiring story of one of our dedicated support group attendees, Catherine, who is taking on an incredible challenge this September to raise funds for Headway Sussex.

Her journey is one of resilience, determination, and the triumph of the human spirit.

In 2010, Catherine experienced a life-altering brain injury in an accident that also tragically took her father’s life. Reflecting on her journey, she shared:

“I was 17 years old and was doing my A-Levels at BHASVIC college.

I was not expected to survive the accident and if I did, I would be left severely disabled. But I proved everyone wrong and with sheer grit and determination, I have gone on to live a fulfilling life and regain much of my independence with support from my family and my team of buddies.”

Through hard work and perseverance, Catherine has defied the odds.

Despite the many challenges she faced during her recovery, she has achieved remarkable progress, including losing over 5 stone in weight and mastering three swimming strokes.

“I had never learnt to swim before my accident and so this made things really tough. However, I love my swimming and was very determined to succeed. I have gradually got better and can now do three different strokes. I still have lessons as I would like to be even better. I struggle at times to co-ordinate everything, but I try really hard.”

Now, she is turning her passion for swimming into a powerful way to give back.

This September, Catherine will be swimming 1km to raise funds for Headway, one stroke at a time. It may not sound like a long distance, but for Catherine, this is a monumental achievement—one that represents her unwavering determination and spirit.

“Headway Sussex has been a great support since I had my brain injury, and I would like to raise some money for them by doing a sponsored swim. I plan to swim 1km over the course of a month as this is achievable for me.”

We invite you to join us in supporting Catherine on her fundraising journey.

Your donation, no matter the size, will help ensure that we can continue providing essential support to individuals like Catherine who are living with brain injuries. To donate, please click here.

Thank you for being a part of our community and for your generous support. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those who need it most.

Kind Regards

Headway Sussex