Becca Strava: https://strava.app.link/OzXEhkPLCIb

On 15 December 2022, my dad fell headfirst into a wall during a game of racquetball. The blow fractured his skull and caused a bleed on the brain (plus a broken collar bone). He then endured a subsequent month-long stay in the ICU and various neurological wards, followed by months and months of rehab at home.

One tiny moment in time, that should otherwise have been inconsequential, was all it took to change his life profoundly.

We are unbelievably lucky that, for the most part, he’s OK 15 months on. But for a while there, we weren't sure this would be the case.

In the aftermath of the accident, we spent endless hours at the hospital, dealing with warnings from doctors that he may never wake up again from his coma, and if he did, that we might not recognise him as the person we once knew.

At this point in mid-December, the world was pausing for the Christmas period, oh, and the NHS was on strike too...

Confusion, chaos and uncertainty were the theme of the period, as it became clear early on that he was being passed around to different departments and hospitals, being moved from one life support machine to the next.

We were - and still are - unbelievably blessed to be surrounded by incredible friends who I can only describe as literal angels sent from heaven, who have held our hands every step of the way. I'll never be able to thank them in the way they deserve for all of their love and support.

In addition to our loved ones, we also leant heavily on Headway - the Brain Injury Association. Their advice and guidance provided us with much of the clarity we were in such desperate need of during this confusing and emotional time, as well as a lot of reassurance and hope.

And they offer so much more than just educational materials and helpline support too. In particular, for families who may not be able to manage the practicalities and costs of supporting someone in hospital or living with a brain injury.

This thing that happened to my dad and to our family was just a random bout of bad luck. According to Headway, every year 350,000 people are admitted to hospital with an acquired brain injury. That's one every 90 seconds.

And for those that have to deal with this, Headway is there to help.

This is why I’ve chosen to give back to Headway as much as I can by joining the #HeadwayHeroes taking part in the TCS London Marathon 2024.

Any donation, big or small, will make a huge difference to survivors, families and carers across the UK. And you can follow my training and progress over on Strava.

Thank you for your support and I’ll see you at the finish line!