Head injury survivor honoured for helping others with recovery

A NORTHERN Ireland dad who has inspired many rebuilding their lives following a brain injury has been recognised at a UK awards ceremony.

Arthur Moore (58) was one of only three people from across the UK competing for the title of Achiever of the Year in the annual awards run by Headway, a charity that works to help improve lives after brain injury.

His life was changed forever after a motorbike crash he was involved in shortly after his 18th birthday in 1978.

The accident left him with an injury which, even four decades later, affects him in a number of ways including intolerance to noise, severe mood swings, social isolation and a loss of taste and smell.

He attempted to return to work but found himself becoming unwell. He began to struggle with anxiety and communication problems and discovered he needed major surgery.

The procedure, which involved taking soft tissue from his thigh

Arthur Moore with his wife Elaine

to seal a hole in his brain, was the first of many surgeries both major and minor that he would require over the years to come.

Arthur discovered his local Headway group in Larne in 2014 and, after it transformed his life, he became determined to use his experiences to help others.

The group holds him in such high esteem that it nominated him for the national award.

“Arthur has done so much to help people at the group feel welcome and supported,” said Steve Darby who nominated him, and who describes Arthur as an inspiration.

“Arthur is very passionate about supporting people with brain injury and their families. He regularly attends the North Belfast Outreach Group and his welcoming attitude and genuine interest in talking to others is what makes people want to stay and become a part of the group.

“His authentic interest in helping others is what makes him a fantastic asset. He is highly regarded for being kind and considerate; he is often the first to help and is always looking to support other people.”

Steve added: “We often joke that the Headway logo will soon be replaced with his face as he is so heavily involved in services and supporting the organisation.”

Arthur said he was very proud to be shortlisted for the award, recalling his first meeting when he felt so shy he wasn’t sure if he could talk to anyone.

He was recognised with a runner-up certificate for the Alex Richardson Achiever of the year Award at a glittering ceremony in London’s Dorchester Hotel on Friday.