In October 2022, my amazing mum suffered an acute Subarachnoid Haemorrhage which landed her on the neuro critical care ward in Addenbrookes hospital for the best part of a month. Slowly, Mum became more stable and we began to see wires, tubes and lines gradually removed, from breathing tubes and feeding tubes, to arterial lines and central lines - you name it, we’ve had it! She has since been moved to the general neuro ward, where her recovery is underway, however there is still a significant hill to climb for Mum to return to the fun loving, intelligent, caring and all round bloody fantastic Christina Searle we all know and love. 

Whilst the staff at Addenbrookes have been fantastic, it has not been smooth sailing for mum, with shingles, infections, trips back to critical care, falls, pains, sleep deprivation and many more torturous experiences. Being in close proximity to such an awful and life changing injury, has really opened my eyes to the trials and tribulations of brain injuries, which would simply have not even been on my radar a mere few months ago. 

Recovery is a long and torturous process, with immense determination and patience being essential (thankfully 2 qualities of which mum has in abundance!)  Even the most simple of daily tasks from brushing your teeth, to drinking a sip of water become a significant challenge. Brain injuries challenge every single aspect of your life, which we all take for granted including thinking, feeling, walking and talking. Losses can be severe, and there is no way of telling if they will be permanent or temporary, other than simply waiting and hoping. 

We all (including my family pre October 2022) think ‘this will never happen to me’, however 1.4 MILLION patients are admitted to hospital every year with a traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Headway is an amazing charity which helps to improve life after brain injury, providing vital support for both patients and families. Support ranges from a website offering advice to families supporting a loved one with a brain injury (which I have found personally helpful) to supporting with rehabilitation facilities in the recovery process - something that we, as a family, hope to be able to move onto very soon. 

In light of this, I am honoured to be able to raise money for such a deserving cause which is so close to my own heart. On 23rd April 2023, I will be running The London Marathon (help!) to raise money for headway. 

Any donations no matter how big or small would be so appreciated - it would be amazing to think we were able to continue the support offered by headway, and support families and patients in the future. 

Thanks so much. Big love,

Rosie x