A Caithness man who rebuilt his life after a devastating brain injury has been nominated for a national award.
Callum Maclean, from Keiss, is now in the running for the Alex Richardson Achiever of the Year award after being nominated alongside two other finalists from across the UK. The awards ceremony, organised by Headway, the brain injury association, is to take place at The Dorchester Hotel in London on Friday, December 7.
Mr Maclean said: “I woke up one day with a horrific headache. No matter what I did, I couldn’t shift it. It was so bad I could barely open my eyes.
“I would sleep for 20 hours a day, I thought it was the flu or something but eventually the pain became so bad that I was rushed to hospital.”
The deep sea fisherman and welding inspector was fit and healthy prior to the diagnosis in 2011 when an MRI scan revealed a benign brain tumour which required emergency surgery.
The operation resulted in Mr Maclean losing part of his brain, leaving him unable to speak and unable to walk.
Mr Maclean added: “It was a very dark and tough time in my life. My confidence was shot to bits as I really struggled with my speech and balance.
“But once I went to Headway Highland things began to improve, it helped to be around people who really understood me – understood what I was going through, sometimes hidden, beneath the surface.”
Mr Maclean was nominated for the award by his wife Catriona and has been instrumental in raising awareness for Headway’s Brain Injury Identification Card, which is designed to ensure brain injury survivors are easily recognised to ensure they are given the appropriate response and support.
Mrs Maclean said: “I was so proud of his involvement in helping to promote the card. He had to fly to Edinburgh on his own which was a big thing for him but he was so passionate about how useful it could be to people like him.
“The journey alone was stressful but then he went on to give a speech at the official launch event and even took part in a TV interview with STV. He has come so far and shown such determination to keep going.”
Mr Maclean said: “I’m chuffed to bits, although the Dorchester might be a posh for me.
“I’m sure I will love it though. It’s been a really tough few years but thanks to my brother, Headway and my wife, I have made great progress.
“I didn’t think my life would ever be like this again, so I’m so thankful.”