It often amazes me to see the recoveries that some people can make after suffering a TBI (traumatic brain injury). With the proper care and rehabilitation, I've seen people learn to be independent and even cope with the loss of cognitive abilities enabling them to regain a good level of independence.
It's always humbling to see someone who's suffered and has had to endure physical or mental hardship, overcome those barriers and obstacles and achieve great things.
Today I read about Karry Jeffs and how she's been nominated for a national festive art completion organised by Headway.
Karry suffered a brain injury when a car crashed into her while she was cycling to work in 2012. The brain injury left her with speech and memory problems and ultimately left her unable to work.
She turned to arts and crafts after her accident, to help her develop and improve her concentration. Little did Karry know; what was a hobby and rehabilitation exercise, actually turned out to be a skill that she didn’t know she had.
Karry said:
"During recovery I started doing craft to improve my concentration and discovered I had a strong creative streak. As time went on, I tackled bigger art projects and realised that it gave me a sense of purpose as well as improving my cognitive and communication difficulties."
Karry was shortlisted along with 12 other finalists chosen by a panel of Headway representatives; her entry titled "Under Construction" depicts an abstract snowman that is shown to be falling apart. The idea is to mirror the process of putting yourself back together again after a brain injury.
Karry went on to say:
"My card design represents how head injury can throw your life into chaos but you just need to get out there and discover a new angle or perspective. I want to inspire and encourage other people with an acquired brain injury to never give up.” “I am so pleased to hear my design has been shortlisted and feel excited to represent Headway following the incredible support they have given me."
Karry now runs her own craft workshops in conjunction with Headway West Sussex and another Headway sister charity, Headway Hurstwood Park.
I've worked with Headway for over 13 years now and I know the work that they do is invaluable, not only for those who have suffered a TBI but for the families who support and care for them. The effects of brain injury are not always obvious and people that don’t work directly with the individuals who have suffered from TBI may be surprised to see the prevalence in our city, of such injuries taking place.
I hope that stories like Karry's keep finding their way into our newspapers and press, we need these little reminders that nudge us and tell us that life is not over after TBI, that the support and rehabilitation is there and people who have suffered from TBI can get back on their feet and face the world again.
Karry is testament to that.
By Jill Greenfield, Partner
Jill Greenfield is a leading Serious Injury lawyer and whilst based in London her clients are based through the UK and Internationally. Her expertise is recognised by Legal 500 and Chambers legal directory as a Category 1 personal injury litigator.
In 2016 Jill was elected on to the Executive Committee for APIL (Association of Personal Injury Lawyers) the not for profit campaign organisation, which is dedicated to protecting victims and people who have sustained serious, or life changing injuries through no fault of their own.
Jill's cases focus on
- Brain injury
- Spinal Cord Injury
- Serious Orthopaedic injury – eg amputations,
- Internal Injuries
- Maxillo facial injuries
- Fatalities
- Psychiatric Injury
Claim values are generally in excess of £1million and often have a value of several million pounds. Jill has successfully recovered over £100 million damages for clients in her career both in the UK and Internationally.
Contact Jill
For further information or if you would like to discuss a brain injury claim, please contact Jill Greenfield on:
- T: 0330 460 6778
- E: jill.greenfield@fieldfisher.com