A PENSIONER from Basingstoke who has dedicated over two decades of his life to a charity has been nominated for a national award.

John Smith has been nominated for The Stephen McAleese Outstanding Contribution to Headway Award, which is sponsored by No5 Barristers’ Chambers.

The 70-year-old joined Headway Basingstoke more than 23 years ago after going to a corporate volunteering day to help for a few hours to help improve the charity’s building.

John, a retired business analyst, said: “We only came to help out with some minor waterproofing and painting but I found the help the charity was able to provide so compelling and the commitment of the charity’s staff so inspiring.

“There was such a kind and compassionate atmosphere. It was hard not to stay.”

While there, he discovered the unique nature of brain injuries.

John added: “Brain injuries are often hidden and can lead to such incredible pressure on people.

“The consequences can easily destroy families and that means losing the support that the injured person needs the most, and that is where Headway can be so important.

“Headway Basingstoke has excelled in trying to sustain the family environment by the support given to families and carers.”

John’s employment experience over the years became vital when the group received the news it was going to lose NHS staff and facilities funding.

Not wanting to see Headway Basingstoke’s capability reduced, John set about working directly with the NHS to achieve a seamless transition.

John led the successful project to transfer the service to Clinical Commissioning Group funding.

John said: “I’m not one for awards really, I just helped the charity as best as I could. The ones who need to be focused on are the brain injury survivors and their families who work so hard to maintain and rebuild their lives, often following very sad circumstances.”

John was nominated by Headway Basingstoke service manager, Heather Jury.

Heather said: “If every charity had someone like John the world would be a better place.

“He is always so helpful and there is nothing he won’t do, from making the tea to filling out incredibly complex contract bids, John has always been willing to work hard.”

“John has recently stepped down as a trustee. He will be sorely missed as without his skills, support and dedication our charity would not be as it is today – a successful day rehabilitation centre for people living with the effects of brain injury.”

John will be finding out if he has won on December 7 at a ceremony in London.