A CHARITABLE Stourbridge woman who has devoted almost 30 years to helping people affected by brain injury is in the running to win a national award.

Sue Hatton, aged 71, has been named as one of the finalists for Headway’s volunteer of the year award.

The charity, which works to improve life after brain injury has recognised the hard work of Mrs Hatton, a former occupational therapist, who began volunteering at the North Worcestershire branch of Headway in the late 1980s.

When she later moved to Stourbridge, she recognised the need for a local support group, so in 1997 she helped to establish the Black Country branch of the charity, which is based in Dudley. In 2000, she was elected as branch chairman, a voluntary position that she still holds today.

She said: “I couldn’t believe it when I found out. The first I knew was when an announcement was made at the start of a board meeting. As I didn’t even know I’d been nominated, you can imagine my surprise.

“While I was working as an occupational therapist back in the 1980s, I came across several people who had sustained brain injuries. The work of Headway is vital to help such people rebuild their lives and I’m proud to be associated with the charity.

“It’s a great honour to be nominated for the national volunteer of the year award but also a privilege to be part of Headway Black Country's development and creating services for brain injury survivors and their families.”

Paul Jaunzems, a trustee of Headway Black Country, said: “Sue is invaluable to us. She is a tireless fundraiser and is always ready to offer her advice, knowledge and support. We’re very proud of all that she has achieved and could not possibly offer the services we do without her help.”

Mrs Hatton will find out if she’s the winner in December at a ceremony in London.