The Brain Charity

Suzie, from the Wirral, has spent her life committed to her community — working with children, volunteering with multicultural organisations, and running cultural workshops. But everything changed in 2021 when a spinal injury left her facing some of the biggest challenges of her life.

From an active community member to a hospital ward

Before her diagnosis, Suzie was studying for a master’s degree in childhood and youth studies, and balancing her time between university, working in schools, and caring for her father, who sadly passed away in 2017.

“Once my dad became unwell, I stepped back from full-time work to look after him, but I still did temp work in schools and volunteered whenever I could,” Suzie said. “I’ve always loved being around people and contributing to my community.”

After her father’s passing, Suzie hoped to finish her degree and return to full-time work. But her plans were suddenly derailed when she injured her back lifting a suitcase while hurriedly loading a car. What initially seemed like a minor injury developed into chronic pain and then gout. Eventually, the pain spread to her legs.

Suzie was diagnosed with an incomplete spinal cord injury at the thoracic level, which left her with paralysis below the chest and greater weakness on her right side. She underwent two spinal surgeries at The Walton Centre and spent over two months in hospital recovering.

She told us of her recovery:

“I was in so much pain; I couldn’t stand or even dress myself properly. I tried to stay positive in the hospital because I knew it would help my recovery. But I also knew that life had changed in a big way.”

Rebuilding life after injury

Once discharged, Suzie couldn’t immediately return to her own home. Instead, she stayed at her mother’s house, where her father’s stair lift and adapted shower were still in place.

She told us:

“When I got back home, it wasn’t easy. I couldn’t even get out of the front door or down the garden steps. I just wanted to get back to work and feel like myself again.”

Suzie’s mobility remained limited, and determined to regain her independence, she had a step lift installed and worked with occupational therapists to get her home adapted. But despite her efforts, she struggled with more than just physical challenges.

“I found it really hard to accept that my brain just didn’t work the same way anymore. Planning, remembering things, even processing information — everything took longer. I had to admit to myself that I wasn’t coping as well as I thought.”

Suzie also experienced incontinence, fatigue, and depression as she came to terms with how much her life had changed.

Finding community and purpose again

In 2022, a little over a year after her diagnosis, Suzie was introduced to The Brain Charity by a local support service for people with spinal injuries. Although she initially believed she was coping fine, she eventually attended one of the monthly spinal injury support meetings held in The Brain Charity’s building and found it unexpectedly helpful.

Suzie explained:

“There’s something about being around people who really get it. You don’t have to explain yourself. You don’t have to pretend. You are just understood. That made a huge difference for me.”

After Suzie expressed her wish to return to work, the group leader suggested she start volunteering at The Brain Charity. It was a small step, but a powerful one.

A place to belong

Suzie started out supporting the charity’s communications team and quickly became an active volunteer in other departments. She even represented The Brain Charity at local neurological society meetings and now volunteers part-time in the counselling team, assisting with admin.

Suzie told us:

“I’ve been here for two years now, and I’ve done a bit of everything! The team here are so encouraging, and the fact that my contributions are recognised really means something to me.”

Volunteering has become a key part of Suzie’s routine and identity.  

“It gives me a reason to get out of the house, even on tough days,” she said. “I’ve made friends, I feel part of something, and I’m doing work that matters.”

She’s also realistic about her limits: 

“Arriving is the target now,” she laughs. “Not necessarily being on time — and that’s okay.”

Spreading the word and helping others

Suzie now often tells others about The Brain Charity and has signposted several people to its services.

“It’s become a big part of my life. I know I can come in when I’m up to it, and they’ll always welcome me. That reassurance means everything.”

She still faces daily challenges — with mobility, memory, and concentration — but volunteering helps keep her grounded and connected.

“I’m not where I want to be yet, but I’m getting there. The Brain Charity helped me realise I’m still valuable, still capable. It’s given me hope, routine, and purpose again.”