Two Northern Ireland men with brain injuries up for prestigious award

Mark Ewart from Belfast and Peter McDaid from Strabane will find out if they will win Achiever of the Year and Volunteer of the Year at a glittering ceremony organised by Headway – the brain injury association on December 9 in London.

Mark Ewart, 64, had been a painter and decorator for almost 40 years. Work was his mainstay, often working well beyond his usual hours to get the job done. But following a tragic accident in 2020, Mark hasn’t been able to return to the job he loved so much.

In October 2020, Mark was at work when he fell from a ladder. He had multiple fractures in his upper torso and spine, but most worryingly, a traumatic brain injury.

He said: “I can’t really remember anything about the accident; I don’t want to.”

Mark was rushed to hospital and put on a life support machine.

“The doctors decided to turn off the life support machine,” said Mark. “They thought I would be brain dead and paralysed. All anyone could do was wait to see whether I would ever recover.”

Somehow, Mark pulled through, but the effects of his brain injury, such as fatigue and memory loss, meant that he couldn’t return to work.

But Mark still has dreams of returning to his former career and has put every effort into his rehabilitation in the hopes of doing so.

“My goal is to get a paintbrush back in my hand,” said Mark. “I have put everything into my rehab so that I can make improvements and hopefully return to the life I had before my brain injury one day.”

Mark also set himself the goal of getting back behind the wheel of a car and has recently been reissued with his driving licence, which he is “thrilled” about.

It is this determination and perseverance which has earned him his nomination as Alex Richardson Achiever of the Year, sponsored by law firm Slater & Gordon.

In the hopes of aiding his recovery, Mark sought support from Headway, a brain injury charity where he now participates in group activities such as aerobics, yoga and art.

“I really enjoy going to Headway,” said Mark. “Everyone is so friendly, and I enjoy the company of others who also know what it’s like living with a brain injury.”

Physical exercise has also formed a big part of Mark’s recovery, and this year he completed a fundraising challenge in aid of Headway, walking between 10,000 and 15,000 steps each day.

Mark was nominated for the award by Hannah Knox, service co-ordinator at Headway in Northern Ireland.

She said: “Mark would be so reassured by receiving this award. It would prove to him that everything he has achieved since his accident is remarkable. Most of this is down to his grit and determination to follow the advice of the health professionals, even if it is tiring, repetitive and frustrating at times.”

Also up for an award at the same ceremony, is 55-year-old volunteer Peter McDaid.

Peter was just 45 when he suffered a life-changing stroke.

He said: “My wife phoned an ambulance which took me to Altnagelvin Hospital, where the stroke team were waiting for me. I was paralysed on my left side, my speech was gobbledegook, and my face was all twisted. I was terrified, but the stroke team kept reassuring me.”

A consultant suggested thrombolysis, a common treatment used for stroke, which thankfully worked, and Peter was able to start moving his fingers and toes again. Despite being told he would need to remain in the hospital for months, Peter was discharged just nine days later.

Like Mark, Peter couldn’t return to work due to his fatigue and memory loss, but he longed for the structure and routine he once enjoyed, so he decided to take up volunteering.

“Someone suggested I start volunteering for Headway, who had just set up a support hub in Omagh and were planning on opening another in Derry,” said Peter.

“I immediately clicked with the group In Omagh. I enjoyed meeting the remarkable people there, many of whom may have been invisible to me prior to my stroke.”

For the past eight years, Peter has dedicated much of his life to supporting fellow brain injury survivors through his voluntary role at Headway in Northern Ireland, delivering peer support meetings, offering transport and encouraging people with his great sense of humour.

During the Covid-19 pandemic and periods of lockdown, Peter played a crucial role in maintaining weekly contact with fellow brain injury survivors and was fundamental in keeping the group connected during uncertain times.

“Having the stroke and volunteering have both totally changed my life. I can honestly say I prefer my life now as I have learnt to slow down and to realise what is important in life.”

Peter was nominated for Volunteer of the Year, sponsored by Anthony Gold Solicitors, by Sam Duncan at Headway in Northern Ireland. He said: “

“Peter’s inspiring dedication to help and support others does not go unnoticed. He is a valued member of our team, and we all appreciate the contribution he so generously gives each week to our groups.”

The Achiever of the Year and Volunteer of the Year will be named at a prestigious ceremony at The Landmark London, along with Carer of the Year and the Stephen McAleese Outstanding Contribution to Headway Award.