Running helps Halifax woman Helen on her road to recovery after traumatic brain injury

It will be eight years ago on November 24 that Helen, who lives in Northowram with her husband Simon and children Isobelle and Isaac, was found unresponsive at the bottom of her staircase at home and was taken to Huddersfield Royal Infirmary.Once stabilised, she was taken to Leeds General Infirmary’s neurosurgery department, where she was diagnosed with an acute subdural hematoma and fractured skull, and taken immediately into surgery for an emergency craniotomy to remove the hematoma.

She was then placed into an induced coma on the neurosurgery intensive care unit, where she stayed for a number of weeks.

“It was extremely traumatic for my family,” Helen said. “Especially my daughter Isobelle and son Isaac, who were only 13 and nine at the time.

“My family were informed that it was unclear as to whether I would regain consciousness once the drugs were withdrawn, and if I did, what permanent physical and mental disabilities I could be faced with for the rest of my life.

“Fortunately, I did recover, albeit very slowly. However the brain injury has changed my life and who I am.

“To get to where I am today has been long and challenging. However I have the support of family, occupational therapy, physiotherapy and the independent living teams.

“I am no longer an accountant working full time for the NHS, but I do work part time in a library, which I love.

“I suffered acute anxiety and was unable to leave the house and struggled with my balance needing a stick to help me walk.

“I found it hard to interact with people and had no self-confidence or awareness.

“I have a very poor memory, struggle with cognitive functions and have lost my sense of smell and have a reduced taste.

“In February 2014 I suffered a seizure and have been diagnosed with epilepsy which is now controlled by medication.

“I know I am not the same person I was before. I have no filter, speak my mind and can be immature, much to the horror of my children; these are all consequences from my brain injury.”

But Helen says running has been a massive help to her.

“I only started running in January 2020, encouraged by my friend Gill, who signed me up, to begin the Couch to 5k beginners running program with my local Northowram Pumas Running Club.

“I found the prospect of taking part in this extremely scary, very challenging and somewhat out of my comfort zone, having never run before.

“I stuck at it and the support I got from the club run leaders was amazing. On March 7 I did my first 5k park run with the Pumas.

“During lockdown I continued with my running and I now have the confidence to be able to run on my own and off road.

“The running club has been fantastic and I set myself mini challenges, slowly progressing to run five miles, 10k, 10 miles, and two half marathons.

“I have become very competitive with myself, always wanting to achieve new personal bests which has definitely helped with my recovery.

“I have totally embraced the running bug and I am amazed by how far I have come in such a short period of time.

“Running has helped my confidence, made me more independent and significantly improved my balance.”
Now Helen has decided to take part in the Virtual London Marathon on Sunday, October 4, running alongside fellow members of the Pumas Gill Holmes and Nicola Taylor, and following a route mapped by the running club, finishing in the Piece Hall.

“The run will take place just one month before my 50th birthday, nearly eight years since my life changing accident and only eight months since I put on my first pair of trainers!” Helen said.
“I am doing this challenge as I want to give something back to support all people with brain injuries.

“I know how very lucky I have been to recover from my injuries with only minor disabilities but there are many people who are not as fortunate as me and I would like to help those who need continuing treatment and support.”

Donations can either be made at the Northowram Club’s bucket collection or Helen’s JustGiving page at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/helenwhiteley.