Dedicated Derby woman shortlisted for national award 'humbled' by nomination

A Derby woman who has dedicated countless hours to improving the lives of brain injury survivors says she is ‘speechless, tearful and humbled’ by a nomination recognising her volunteer work.

Joy Walsh, 67, from Mickleover, became involved with her local brain injury charity, Headway Derby in 2006. And she has been committed to the charity’s mission to help people with brain injuries ever since.

Following redundancy, she became a dedicated volunteer and is now a finalist for a prestigious award from the Brain Injury Association and charity Headway.

Joy is now one of just three finalists for Headway’s Volunteer of the Year Award.

The national accolade will be presented by Headway at its glittering awards ceremony on December 8 at the Landmark London hotel.

She was nominated by Emma Morris from Headway Derby, who explained the crucial role Joy plays.

“Joy has been supporting Headway Derby for over 14 years and does so much, she was the admin assistant and volunteer coordinator here.

“Due to funding cuts, Headway Derby unfortunately had to make Joy’s role redundant, so she stepped down as a paid employee, however, she continued supporting the charity as a volunteer and has continued to do so ever since.

“Whenever Headway Derby needs support, Joy is the first to put herself forward.

“She volunteers in many ways, supporting our administration, fundraising events and she is also instrumental running the back office.”

Joy goes above and beyond her responsibilities and even independently advocates for Headway Derby.

She recently contacted local Members of Parliament to showcase the work Headway Derby does, to enable the organisation get the recognition it deserves.

"We can't thank her enough"

Emma added: “Joy is a determined person who always strives to achieve the best possible outcomes for brain injury survivors and their families in Derby and Derbyshire.

“We can’t thank her enough for the continued support she has always given to Headway Derby, but more so now than ever."

It has been a journey of knowledge and giving back to the community, for the now retired, but never still Joy.

She said: "When I became Headway’s part-time paid administrator, I knew nothing about brain injury, but I quickly got to know the members at Derby, and I was soon hooked; I really enjoyed lending a hand whenever possible.

“In 2012, I became Volunteer Coordinator, which had funding that ended after two years.

“When this happened, I retired early to spend time with my newly retired husband and my aged father.”

Joy was unable to keep away from the charity’s noble work and soon found herself volunteering.

She would undertake a variety of tasks including admin, catering, going out on trips and organising events, giving her the feeling that ‘she never really left.’

Joy’s time at Headway has seen the charity evolve and develop over the years.

She said: “I’ve seen many changes since the early days, I’ve helped to move premises four times, enlisting help from family members, particularly my husband Tony, who volunteers at our allotment garden.

“Our services looked very different after lockdown and funding hasn’t been easy, so I just do as much as I can to support Emma and the team, to try and make sure we are here for everyone with brain injuries.”

Despite her hard work, Joy said she is surprised to be a finalist for Headway’s Volunteer of the Year Award.

“I don’t know why I was singled out for this award, not over and above anyone else.

“We are very much a team of volunteers at Headway Derby, but I was speechless, somewhat overwhelmed, tearful, humbled, very flattered and very excited all at the same time.

“To have been nominated is an honour enough, but to have been selected as an overall finalist is amazing!"

To find out more about Headway’s work with brain injury survivors, visit the charity’s website by clicking here.