A woman who was brought in to save the Salford branch of a charity which helps people with brain injuries has been nominated for a national award.
44-year-old Headway Community Development Officer Samantha Ashcroft was nominated in the Headway Annual Awards, which celebrate the dedication, growth, and achievements of brain injury survivors, carers, volunteers, and professionals across the United Kingdom.
Samantha first joined Headway Blackpool following the death of her close friend Andrew Kendrick, who passed away from complications related to a brain injury. Determined to honour his memory, she became deeply involved in supporting others who faced similar challenges.
Later, she was asked to help the Headway Salford branch during a difficult period, and her commitment and compassion helped to turn things around.
Speaking about her nomination, Samantha said: “Being nominated for this award is absolutely amazing. I am speechless for the first time ever!
“To be nominated is one thing, but to get to the final really proves to me that I do make a difference in people’s lives and that I help improve life after brain injury.”
“There are times when I doubt whether I make a significant difference, but being nominated has just put the icing on the cake for me to finish 2025 off in a spectacular way.”
“Headway means everything to me, and I do all of the work to keep the memory alive of my close friend, Andrew Kendrick.”
Headway UK is a charity dedicated to raising awareness of brain injury and supporting survivors, their families and carers. The organisation provides vital services, from rehabilitation and community support to advocacy and education.
Her work has helped countless people rebuild their confidence and independence after brain injury, while creating a strong, supportive community for survivors and carers alike.
Working with up to 30 brain injury survivors in Salford, she spends her time, in and out of work, bettering the lives of these people. She holds it to high importance that maintaining their social lives is important and does everything she can to do this.
Most recently she has been working with these survivors to buy their carers and loved ones Christmas presents to ensure they are appreciated, proving her above-and-beyond work with Headway Salford.
The winners of the Headway Annual Awards will be announced later this month at a special ceremony in London. Whatever the outcome, Samantha’s contribution has already made her a true inspiration within the Headway family and a hero to many in Salford.
