Brain injury charity celebrates 10th anniversary

A charity set up by the victim of a violent assault is celebrating 10 years of supporting people affected by brain injury in the Humber region.

Paul Spence, from Hull, founded the charity P.A.U.L For Brain Recovery in 2016 after the unprovoked attack in a bar left him with a brain haemorrhage.

Now, P.A.U.L - an acronym for Positivity, Awareness, Understanding and Love - welcomes more than 300 people each month to its base in Hull, helping them access support, guidance and education to aid their recovery.

Spence said: "It's a privilege to be able to recognise and celebrate this significant moment in our history. I can't wait to see what the future holds for the next 10 years and beyond."

Spence suffered a frontal lobe brain haemorrhage after he was punched and knocked unconscious at the bar on Easter Sunday in 2012.

He was told by consultants he was "lucky to be alive" and underwent years of neuro- rehabilitation.

During the early stages of his own recovery, Spence founded the charity from his back room to raise awareness of the impact of violence.

Ten years later, the charity is marking its anniversary with two celebrations for its community members and also for professional partners and associates.

Over the past decade, its services have developed from small group sessions to weekly socials, day trips, yoga and gym classes and advocacy services.

The charity also hosts activities for loved ones of people living with acquired brain injury.

According to the charity, acquired brain injury includes traumatic brain injuries from physical impact to the head, as well as non-traumatic injuries such as strokes, tumours and meningitis.

Last year, it expanded its support to people living in North and North East Lincolnshire, offering monthly social sessions in Grimsby and Scunthorpe.

It has also worked with Hull City Council to deliver talks in schools aimed at reducing violence across the city.

Spence said: "I'm immensely proud of how far the charity has come over the last 10 years and I feel honoured to be able to celebrate a decade of making a difference with the incredible community we've built throughout that time."

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