A dad of two who suffered horrific injuries in a late night hit and run has committed himself to helping others like him.
David Jenkins, 41, almost died after being mowed down by a speeding driver on County Road, Walton, on April 20 2014. After suffering a life-threatening brain injury and being blinded in one eye, the wealth management consultant was eager to get back to his normal life, having recently been awarded a promotion at work. But he soon realised the long-lasting effects of his injury were more serious than he thought.
He said: "It caused a massive change in the level of functioning, planning skills, time management, and memory. I was actually starting a new job in a new company and by the time I was well enough to go back to work it was in a new place with new people and new systems. I only lasted a couple of months part-time before I realised that I needed to rework my life.
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"It's a common thing with a brain injury. People just want to go back to normal, but its only when you try you realise the old normal is gone. Because of the severity of the injury, it took me years to come to terms and reach acceptance. It can take years to adjust to a new life.
"I felt very lonely adjusting to the new me. I was just trying to find myself and discover what I could still do."
David decided to visit a Headway Sefton, a volunteer-led community for people with brain injuries, thinking he would only attend the meetings for a few months before returning to work. But after discovering he was not fit to return to his high-pressure job, he remained at the group, and eventually set up his own weekly "Keep In Touch" sessions in Waterloo.
He said: "The support and information they gave me, and the acceptance of my brain injury, and not judging me, really helped. That was nine years ago now. Through time I started to become more involved helping out at the group and in 2017 I set up a weekly social group for people to rebuild their confidence, and to gain friends and get a routine.
"Everyone who goes has an injury, and we're all at different stages of recovery. When newer people come and they're lost and confused like I was nine years ago, you're able to pass on your experience and offer hope to them."
David's tireless volunteering has led to him being nominated for the Alex Richardson Achiever of the Year Award, which recognises "the outstanding determination, strength, and courage of brain injury survivors".
Carol Hopwood and Cathy Johnston from Headway Sefton, who nominated David for the award, said: "David lost all he had worked for when he was run over and has worked so hard to give back to the brain injury community. He has helped the branch grow and thrive and offers unwavering support to others who stumble through our door bewildered.
"It also can't go unmentioned that his lovely wife Louise and their children have been by his side throughout his journey.
"David didn't give up. He is a friend who does not judge, listens, and connects with people when at their lowest and most frightened. He is one of the funniest, most positive people at Headway Sefton. He really is a beacon of hope for others at the start of their journey. We are very lucky to have him."
David said: "I feel surprised and delighted. It's a big honour for me to make the top three in the country. It makes me proud and shows me that despite the horrific injury I've had and how my life's been turned upside down, I have still got skills to help people."
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