🎉 Heartwarming Journey of Recovery and Resilience 🎉
Meet Alec Williams, an electrician from Barry whose life took a dramatic turn in June 2003. After a night out, Alec was tragically thrown down the stairs at a nightclub, resulting in a severe brain injury. He woke up weeks later in the hospital, unable to remember his family, his job, or the recent past. He even forgot his father had passed away and struggled to recognise his own home.
A doorman was jailed for the unprovoked attack, which fractured Alec’s skull and caused a debilitating brain haemorrhage. This incident changed everything – Alec could no longer work, drive, or recall years of his life. Navigating familiar Barry streets became confusing, and he often relied on his family for support.
Despite these challenges, Alec’s spirit is unbroken. He jokes, “I was sure I married Kylie Minogue!” and shares stories of daily encounters with his memory loss, like meeting fellow patients with the same introduction day after day.
Fast forward to today, Alec has found a new purpose. For 20 years, he’s been volunteering with Headway, a charity supporting individuals with brain injuries. While adjusting to a new normal, Alec realised the extent of his recovery compared to others, many of whom struggle with more severe mobility issues.
His time at Headway has been transformative. It not only brought him a new sense of community but also allowed him to save a friend’s life. When a fellow Headway member missed a Christmas event, Alec instinctively checked on him, discovering him in urgent need of help, an act that earned him praise from ambulance workers.
Currently, Alec is being celebrated for his significant contributions and is in the running for a Volunteer of the Year award. His inspiring journey from tragedy to the triumph of helping others showcases the power of resilience and community support. 💪✨
#Inspiration #Recovery #CommunitySupport #VolunteerOfTheYear #HeadwayHero