Family Give Backing To Headway Action for Brain Injury Week

The family of an 18-year-old left with a serious brain injury after being hit by a car eight years ago have revealed how they have embraced the life-changing consequences of the incident, as a major campaign puts the issue

Shannon Connolly, from Wrawby, Lincolnshire, spent more than a year in hospital after being seriously injured as she crossed the road to a local shop back in December 2009, just days after her 11th birthday. The incident left Shannon wheelchair dependent and with very limited communication skills. She remains totally reliant on others for all aspects of daily living

Following the crash, Shannon’s family instructed serious injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to help them gain vital financial support to fund her care needs and rehabilitation.

Taking place from May 8 to 14, this year’s annual campaign week, organised by Headway, is based around the theme of ‘life after brain injury’ and how such injuries have a lasting impact on not only survivors but also their families and carers.

As part of its work, Headway has established ‘A New Me, a platform for people to share experiences which has been created to both challenge misconceptions about brain injury and also highlight the value that the right support can provide.

This week, the Connollys are speaking out about how they have embraced how their lives have changed.

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“Shannon and her family have been a credit to one another and are an absolute inspiration. Her mother Diana was always of the view that Shannon would have the same opportunities as she would have had if she had not been injured.

“They have taken her on family camping holidays; she attended her school prom and took part in a sponsored walk in Derbyshire to help raise funds for Sheffield Children’s Hospital. Shannon loved all the humps and bumps as she was pushed around in her wheelchair!

“We are very proud to have helped them gain the support they required following the crash and feel that they perfectly reflect the themes of this year’s Action for Brain Injury Week.” Caroline Mitchell - Associate Solicitor

Diana Connolly, 47, said: “The crash was every parent’s worst nightmare and we were truly devastated to see the extent of the injuries that Shannon suffered.

“However, we were also quick to recognise that there was no reason to accept that Shannon would not have the same experiences as she otherwise would have done, so we accepted the circumstances we faced and carried on as normal, doing all the things we did before she sustained her injuries.

We are so proud of Shannon for embracing her new way of life. We call it “the new normal”.

“Brain injuries change a person’s life but it should not be seen as a bad thing. We are just hugely thankful that our beautiful daughter is still in our lives and that, with the help of Irwin Mitchell, we will continue to be able to meet her needs.”

Read more about the work of Irwin Mitchell's Serious Injury Team, here.