A South Cumbria charity volunteer who has spent more than 15 years supporting people affected by brain injuries has been shortlisted for a national award.
Glenys Marriott, 77, from Kendal, is a finalist for the Stephen McAleese Volunteer of the Year Award at Headway UK’s annual awards.
She has chaired Headway South Cumbria since it was established in 2012, helping the volunteer-led group provide support to people with brain injuries and their families across the area.
Over the years, Mrs Marriott has provided information and practical support, signposted members to services and helped organise activities, day trips and fundraising events.
She has also represented patients and carers on the ICB Major Trauma Network and the Stroke and Rehab working group.
During the Covid pandemic, she worked with local NHS teams to help vulnerable members receive food packs, Covid tests and vaccinations.
She also chaired weekly Zoom meetings for 18 months to help members remain connected and reduce isolation.
Her work has continued despite brain injury and stroke having an impact on her own family.
Her husband Ray suffered a stroke in late 2024 with Mrs Marriott caring for him during his recovery while continuing her work with Headway South Cumbria.
Ray has since recovered well and plans to mark his 80th birthday in May 2027 by completing a 21-mile fundraising walk from Coniston to Barrow in aid of the charity.
Mrs Marriott was nominated for the award by her friend and fellow committee member Christine Wilson, whose son Chris lives with a brain injury and has received support from the branch.
Mrs Wilson said: “Glenys has spent her lifetime dedicated to others. She has generously given up her time as a volunteer and I am in awe of her commitment to our group.
“She intended to stay for one year, but such is her commitment, she is still here in 2026!
“Under her leadership, our group was appointed The High Sheriffs Award for two consecutive years in 2024 and 2025.
“She’s simply the crème de la crème, and someone that everyone in our group can rely on.”
Mrs Marriott, who received the Queen’s Platinum Champions Award in 2022 for her commitment to volunteering, described her nomination as “a great honour and most unexpected”.
She said: “Over 15 years the group has grown from 10 members to over 100, plus their carers and family members.
“It’s very humbling to see people coming to terms with their new life after a brain injury and to be able to play a part in supporting them.
“Covering 100 miles in South Cumbria we face enormous problems with transport but we develop a varied programme to enable people to meet up.”
She also thanked committee members, Headway UK colleagues and the wider network of people who have supported the group over the years.
The Headway Annual Awards are headline sponsored by Charles Stanley Raymond James, while the Stephen McAleese Volunteer of the Year Award is sponsored by Anthony Gold Solicitors.
The winners will be announced at the Royal Lancaster in London on Thursday, December 10.
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