A man who sustained a life-changing brain injury 16 years ago has officially opened a new shop run by the charity that helped rebuild his life.
Manny Galsinh, age 52 from Shirley in Solihull, was chosen for the honour of launching Headway Birmingham & Solihull’s new charity shop in New Road in Rubery as it opened its doors for the first time last week. With his family by his side, he cut the ribbon at the entrance to the shop and declared the new shop officially open.
Manny suffered a brain haemorrhage in November 2000 which led to a stroke and other complications. This left him with a devastating brain injury and unable to walk or talk initially. He said: “I’ve had the most amazing support from Headway Birmingham & Solihull over the last 14 years and I’m pleased to return the favour by helping launch their new venture.
“Before I had my brain injury, I had everything – a lovely wife, two young sons and a career in IT but our whole world was suddenly turned upside down. I lost the use of the right side of my body and found myself in a wheelchair, struggling with speech and barely coping with everyday life.
“Headway has been a key part of my recovery. Since 2002, I’ve been attending the brain injury sessions at Headway House at Moseley Hall Hospital and then at Leighton House in Rednal too when it opened in 2005. I can’t tell you what a difference this has made to both me and the rest of my family.”
Manny now walks unaided, his speech continues to improve and he leads a full and active family life.
Along with his wife, Satwant, and his sons, Hardeep and Gurdeep, he has been a staunch supporter of the charity over the years, helping raise funds for a new pool table at the local brain injury unit and encouraging other family members and friends to donate their unwanted clothing and other items to the Headway charity shop.
Sue Tyler, Chief Executive at Headway Birmingham & Solihull, added: “I remember Manny when he first came along to Headway House and the progress he has made is remarkable. He really is a shining example of how, with the right support at the right time, there can be life after brain injury.
“We are delighted that Manny agreed to formally open our new shop in Rubery. It is only a stone’s throw from the charity’s brain injury unit on Great Park in Rednal and we hope that it will create an opportunity to raise money to fund our specialist programmes and help raise a greater awareness of the work we do.”
Headway Birmingham & Solihull already operates one charity shop in north Birmingham, in Thornbridge Avenue, Great Barr, and hopes to create an equally successful venture at the new Rubery shop. Its success will rely on support from the local community, both for volunteers as well as donations of unwanted clothing and bric-a-brac.
Those who joined the charity for the official opening enjoyed refreshments and a raffle, and an opportunity to browse the excellent range of stock on offer at the new shop.
The opening hours for the new shop at 183 New Road, Rubery B45 9JP will be Monday to Saturday from 9am – 4.30pm.
Anyone wishing to volunteer or make a donation can call by and speak directly to Rachael Baynham (Manager) or Sue Wilcox (Assistant Manager) or email enquiries@headway-bs.org.uk
Cover image: Manny Galsinh cuts the ribbon & declares the new shop officially open with CEO Sue Tyler (L) & Shop Manager Rachael Baynham (R)