In 1986, Simon was knocked off his moped after being hit by a car which was reversing the wrong way up a one way street in Reading.
Simon looks back on the last 31 years with ‘A New Me’ in mind, as part of our campaign for Action for Brain Injury Week.
“I had my brain injury 31 years ago – the result of a motorbike accident. I was the first person to come to Headway Thames Valley when it started in 1987.
“When I first came here, I was angry as I couldn’t talk and it was very difficult to get people to understand me. I couldn’t move my arms properly. My head would hang and I dribbled a lot. I was in a chair for 4 years, which I found frustrating too. Now I can walk, talk and move my arms!
“Headway TV helped me get my speech back and they did a memory group which helped a lot. It helped me to remember people’s names and faces by using strategies.
“I like coming here and chatting with people. I help out in the kitchen with drinks and I do the washing up. It’s nice to be helpful.
“My dad used to take the micky out of me to try and make me laugh but I would get angry with him.
“I think the only thing that keeps me going is my mum. Sometimes when I wake up I feel like I just can’t be bothered to do anything and then other times I know it’s going to be a good day.”