I know it’s hard to believe that on May 31st... I’m going to be 50!

But instead of rushing out to buy me loads of lovely presents, I’ve opened a Just Giving page in aid of ABI Café, a local support group that is very close to my… brain: as most of you will know, my memory is sometimes challenged but I do remember the fear, isolation, insecurity and loneliness that can come with a brain injury - I was lucky to have my two boys, friends and family.

I am a member of ABI Café, a monthly peer support group for people affected by Acquired Brain Injury, held in Kirkintilloch. Co-facilitated by Ceartas Advocacy and Headway Glasgow, it is funded by donations and supported by volunteers, and staff from Ceartas and Headway are available to offer help and support with any problems that might arise. ABI Café uses the peer support model, where people in a similar situation support each other, and this has now been running successfully for eight years.

ABI Café is a free service and it always should be, and we never want cost to be a barrier. This is why we are reliant on fundraising to ensure people living with Acquired Brain Injuries, their partners, carers and families will continue to get the support they need from ABI Café.

Acquired brain injury does not discriminate and can happen to anyone, at any time or any place. It affects people in different ways and you have no way of telling how it would affect you.

Help me celebrate my half century by supporting a couple of charities very close to my heart.

Helen (the Irish one)