Inspirational charity work earns top honour for Jane

A MINISHANT woman is off to London to collect a lifetime achievement award. Jane Sloan’s inspirational work with national charity Headway has bagged her the top gong.

She’s one of only 10 people across the UK to receive the prestigious prize, for her commitment to Headway Ayrshire over the past 15 years.

The service provides a lifeline to people with an acquired brain injury, their families and their carers.

The announcement of Jane’s accolade came during a Headway directors’ meeting, where a surprise nomination left her “absolutely overcome.”

Jane said: “It was a total shock. You do a job you love but you don’t expect to get recognised like this.

“Working with so many people means that you develop a real passion for what you do. The people I have met and worked with over the years have become like an extended family.”

Stephanie Kyle, the colleague who nominated Jane, said: “Working at Headway and supporting people affected by brain injury has not just been a job to Jane, it has been – and still is – a big part of her life.

“I truly believe it takes a special kind of person to build a service like the one we have in Ayrshire. Jane is someone very special.”

After working with Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland and in Holmston House’s social work department, Jane involved herself in identifying the gaps in care for people with brain injuries.

Along with local professionals, she founded Headway Ayrshire in a bid to bridge the gaps to see that those in need receive the correct support.

Headway Ayrshire operates throughout the region with a drop-in clinic in Ayr’s Beresford Court, with a team of community and rehabilitation support workers paying regular home visits, but Jane concedes Headway would be nothing if it weren’t for the staff.

She revealed: “The staff are wonderful. It’s not just me that should be praised – everyone involved is worth a prize in my opinion.”

The glittering ceremony will take place on December 10 in Park Lane’s 5-star hotel, The Dorchester. Thinking of London, Jane said: “I am very excited, it should be a fantastic celebration.

“I might even get the chance to get some Christmas shopping in too.”