A BARRY man who sustained a brain injury through a fall at his home is championing the charity that has assisted his recovery.

Alan Pitcock, self-employed carpet and flooring fitter, fell over the bannisters at home at night, causing him a brain injury in 2013.

And since then the 55 year old father-of-four has been unable able to work.

His support for Headway, the charity that has supported him, marks Action for Brain Injury Week, which runs from May 18 to 24.

Headway Cardiff will be showcasing the services they provide to over more than 500 brain injury survivors annually across south east Wales with an open session at the Headway specialist day centre on the premises of Rookwood Hospital, Cardiff, from 11am to 12.30pm on Friday.

Alan said: “The Headway Outreach worker came to see me and my wife whilst I was still in hospital. Headway Cardiff has taught me that recovery is a long journey and the key is staying positive.”

Alan has been supported by the Headway Cardiff through the counselling service and now attends the day centre every week.

Alan added: “The Day Centre is a super friendly place. Everyone has their own unique problems but I have been encouraged to try new things or do things I have not done for years. I am looking forward to happy times with my three grandchildren.”

Vale AM Jane Hutt will attend the open session alongside Mark Drakeford AM, minister for health and social services, Cardiff council representatives, the Cardiff and Vale Health Board Chief Executive and representatives from the local community.

General manager of Headway Cardiff, Julie Smith said: “We are pleased to be able to show how a local voluntary organisation can work with the NHS and local authorities to ensure brain injury survivors and their families get the support they need.

“In response to ever rising demand we are expanding our service provision and are launching a new social group for survivors in Newport.”