A DEVOTED mother and sister who dedicated their lives to caring for their son and brother after he suffered a devastating brain injury have been named as finalists for an award.

Gwen and Natalie Milham, from Lewes, have been jointly nominated for their care and support of Nathan, Gwen’s son and Natalie’s brother. In 1996, he was on his way to meet his sister when he was hit by a car and suffered a severe brain injury.

And another woman from Lewes, Ann Green, is one of only three people to be nominated for the Volunteer of the Year category in the same UK-wide awards by the brain injury association Headway.

All three were nominated by Michele Fleming, CEO of Newick-based Headway Hurstwood Park, a charity that aims to improve people’s lives after brain injury.

The Milham family has endured a rollercoaster of emotions since Nathan’s accident when he was 17. He was rushed to the Royal Free Hospital in London, but developed a brain aneurysm and spent a year in a coma. The Milham family was repeatedly asked to consider turning off Nathan’s life-support machine, but Nathan eventually defied doctors’ predictions and recovered enough to return home.

Gwen became her son’s primary carer, along with her husband, Dave, but the family suffered a further blow when Natalie suffered kidney failure. Her life was saved when her elder sister donated a kidney.

Then in 2005, Dave also suffered a brain injury, leaving him able to communicate but totally immobile. He too needed 24-hour care, and Gwen cared for her son and her husband until Dave passed away in 2009. Less than a year later, Gwen learned she had breast cancer and Natalie took over the caring duties for her brother while their mother coped with her illness.

Gwen has made a full recovery, and now she and Natalie share the care of Nathan. “Every day is a challenge,” said Gwen. “But Nathan’s lovely and we wouldn’t have been able to get this far if we didn’t have such a close family support network and the support of Headway. It has been 18 years since Nathan’s accident and, with help from Headway Hurstwood Park, he can now eat on his own and walk with the help of a walking aid. He’s doing well.”

Headway CEO Ms Fleming said: “What is most striking about Gwen and Natalie is the obvious love and compassion they have for Nathan and the respect and dignity they show him.

“Despite all the trials this family has had to endure, they remain positive and share much happiness and laughter together.”

Ann, who is 59, joined Headway Hurstwood Park nearly 25 years ago after the 12-year-old daughter of her friend, Jeremy Griffin, was hit by a car and tragically sustained a severe brain injury.

She became a volunteer at Headway Hurstwood Park, organising events ranging from swimming and bowling outings to running craft sessions, and even cooking lunch for the group’s members.

“I am a very emotional person and when we first set up the group all those years ago I wondered whether I would be able to cope with the challenges that came with supporting people affected by brain injury,” said Ann. “But I have surprised myself and, although there are occasionally sad moments, I have a lot of fun with the group’s members – they have become part of my family.”

Michele praised Ann’s ability to build up a good rapport with members. “Ann’s sensitivity and her quiet, calm approach is a great support to staff and service users alike,” she said. “Her kindness and sympathy also extends to carers. She has made a truly remarkable contribution to our group.”

The Achiever and Carer of the Year awards take place at The Dorchester Hotel in London on December 5.

To find out more about Headway Hurstwood Park, visit head way-hp.org.uk