What is the background to your brain injury?
My brain injury occurred over three years ago when I was 34 years old, and it resulted in a period in hospital. I have a blockage at the back of my brain that caused hydrocephalus, which is a potentially dangerous build-up of fluid. I had to have a shunt fitted to bypass the blockage.
What was life like before the brain injury?
Before the injury, I was employed as a Commercial and Estimating Manager for a well-known scaffolding company. I regularly hosted clients and guests at various sporting events, including Leeds United home games and horse racing meetings.
What were your hobbies/interests pre-brain injury?
Before my injury, I had an active lifestyle. I enjoyed exercising and regularly attended early morning sessions at Tommy Coyle’s gym, completing classes in the gym’s TC60 programme.
I come from a military background, and after serving in the armed forces, I joined the Territorial Army, where I led my own running groups on Tuesday evenings and at weekends.
I have also been a season pass holder at Hull FC for many years and continue to attend games with friends.
How did the injury impact your daily life and routine?
My brain injury has had a significant impact on my working life and personal circumstances.
It resulted in:
- Having to stop work (although I have recently started my own business doing what I was previously doing, but for several clients)
- No longer attending TC60 gym classes
- No longer being able to drive, which was a big part of my life that I greatly enjoyed
- A negative impact on my relationship
What were your initial thoughts or feelings about joining the run club?
Initially, I was apprehensive about joining the run club. I wasn’t sure whether my running pace was quick enough to keep up. However, my concerns were put to bed after attending just one session. The group stays together and runs at a pace everyone is comfortable with.
I joined the run club about three months ago to get fitter. I’ve found that the sessions offer much more than running – they also provide an opportunity to chat with people experiencing similar circumstances. The group is welcoming, friendly, and has a close bond. For me, the run club feels like a return to “old times” when I trained regularly.
Paul is a great listener and offers valuable input into conversations, especially about brain injury and recovery. His personal experiences and support are invaluable. I don’t think Paul realises how much we get from attending.
Is running something you enjoyed pre-brain injury?
Yes, I enjoyed running and training before my injury. Joining the run club has allowed me to start running regularly again.
What challenges do you face while running after your brain injury and how have you overcome them?
The challenges I face are mainly related to my balance and awareness of my surroundings. Attending the weekly run club has helped improve both areas – practice makes perfect!
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced during your recovery from brain injury?
One of the biggest challenges during recovery was adapting to the changes in my life while trying to remain positive. I’m in a good place now, and the run club has played a role in helping me get there.
How has attending the run club impacted your recovery journey so far?
The part of my brain that was damaged affected my speech and talking in group settings. The run club has helped me gain confidence in talking and socialising within groups.
It has also brought some normality back into my life, helped improve my fitness, enabled me to be part of a supportive social group, and enhanced my overall health and well-being. The group members help keep me motivated to continue running.
What are your personal goals while attending our run club?
My goal is to run in the P.A.U.L For Brain Recovery 10K in 2025.
What has been your proudest moment since joining the run club?
My proudest moment was recently running the same distance we covered in my first session 12 minutes quicker.
I would recommend the run club to any interested service users. It provides valuable social time with people who share similar lived experiences. The group is incredibly welcoming and friendly.
The P.A.U.L For Brain Recovery team wishes Gareth the best of luck as he continues his preparations for 2025’s 10K Charity Run.