Blackpool charity worker nominated for national award for going the extra mile for brain injury survivors
A dedicated charity worker has been nominated for a national award for going “far beyond her job description” in supporting brain injury survivors and their families for almost two decades.
Samantha Ashcroft, from Blackpool, is in the running for an accolade in Headway UK’s Annual Awards, held later this year in December.
Each year, Headway UK holds a glittering awards ceremony celebrating the achievements and contributions of brain injury survivors, carers, volunteers, and others in the Headway community across the country.
Samantha, joined Headway Blackpool in 2007 following the tragic loss of a close friend, Andrew, who passed away due to complications from a brain injury.
Deeply affected by his death, Sam was determined to help others facing similar challenges.
When Andrew’s parents founded Headway Blackpool, Wyre and Fylde to give back to the local community, they called on Sam to help manage the charity and coordinate activities for its members.
Since then, Sam has been “the backbone of the charity”, carrying out a range of tasks to ensure she provides the best possible support to members and their families.
She is a font of knowledge when it comes to the benefits system, helping survivors and loved ones navigate application processes, and actively seeks out the latest training, guidance, and developments in brain injury care.
When Headway Salford, Trafford and North Manchester faced great difficulty in 2010, Sam turned the charity around by recruiting a new Board of Trustees, organising regular day-centre activities for members, and raising the charity’s profile to encourage greater donations and sponsorships, with a new website, regular social media updates and annual fundraising events.
She did all this despite the journey from Sam’s hometown of Blackpool to Salford taking over one and a half hours each way.
Kat Whitemoss, Communications Manager for Headway Blackpool, Wyre and Fylde and Headway Salford, Trafford and North Manchester, nominated Sam for The Headway Extra Mile Award, sponsored by Irwin Mitchell, which recognises staff working in local Headway charities.
She said: “Sam is the ‘go-to’ person at Headway Blackpool and Headway Salford. Her contributions go far beyond her job description.
“She is involved in every aspect of the organisation, always ready to support anyone who walks through the door in need of kindness, guidance, or care.
“Her deep understanding of acquired brain injury (ABI), combined with an unwavering commitment to empower our members, makes Sam a truly exceptional ambassador for Headway.
“Whether it’s leading on key initiatives, supporting fundraising efforts to help secure the charity’s future, or simply offering a listening ear to someone in need, Sam exemplifies what it means to work with heart and purpose.
“Thanks to Sam’s efforts, countless lives have been touched, and the quality of life for many of our members has been significantly improved.”
Sam said she was “absolutely amazed” to find out she is in the running for the Extra Mile Award, adding that the nomination “means everything” to her.
She said: “To find out I’d not only been nominated but reached the final left me truly speechless.
“But it’s not about me- it’s about the brain injury survivors, their families and friends, because without their determination I wouldn’t be able to get up each day and do the work that I do, to help improve life after brain injury.
“I’m bursting with pride for each and every survivor we support!”
- Winners for the Headway Annual Awards will be announced on Friday, December 12 at The Royal Lancaster in London.
