Stephen McAleese Award for Inspiration 2023

The Stephen McAleese Award for Inspiration in 2023 went to joint winners.  Leon Clarkson who suffered a brain injury aged 28 years, was recognised for his work as a mentor at Rehabilitate while Dr Jenna Moffitt and Dr Don Brechin were recognised for their work in research and data showing what further provisions are needed to support people affected by brain injury in the North East.

Previous winners of the award

2022 - Charlie Fogarty

In 2012, 15-year-old football mad Charlie Fogarty suffered a severe brain injury after being hit by a car. He spent 11 days in intensive care at Birmingham Children’s Hospital before being moved to a neurosurgical ward and being placed in an induced coma. Doctors said it was unlikely he would be able to walk or talk again and would probably never return to education. Yet Charlie proved them all wrong. After leaving hospital four months after his accident, Charlie was transferred to The Children’s Trust – the UK’s leading charity for children with a brain injury.

Charlie was a resident at the Charity’s specialist rehabilitation centre in Surrey and after two months he spoke again for the first time and just six months after the accident he took his first steps. Ten months later Charlie was well enough to return home.

2021 – Anita Pascoe

In July 2000, Anita Pascoe’s 54-year-old Mum, Ann, collapsed following a brain hemorrhage and she remained severely brain injured until her death earlier this year. For 20 years Anita fought to get her Mum properly supported.

Accepting the Award, Anita said: “I have been inspired by so many people who have survived acquired brain injury and overcome huge challenges. We had to fight so hard over the years and that is just not right. You should not need to have someone fighting your corner in order for your needs to be met.”

2020 - Jason Le Masurier

Jason sustained a head injury in a kitesurfing accident over 10 years ago in Blackpool. Prior to his accident was a successful civil engineer working on major projects throughout the world. Whilst recovering in hospital following his accident he was told by medics that it would be unlikely for him to walk again and would most likely be confined to using a wheelchair for the rest of his life.

Jason has been able to not only learn to walk again, but has also managed to run a marathon and compete in several triathlons.  Jason still suffers from the injuries sustained, but wasn’t satisfied with just achieving these physical goals, he has dedicated his time to motivational speaking about overcoming adversity.

Jason was nominated by a healthcare professional working in the field of mobility and rehabilitation who was inspired by his drive and determination.