We’re thrilled to announce the shortlist for this year’s Inspirational Contribution award.
The award is a celebration of the remarkable individuals and teams who have transformed lives through dedication, innovation and compassion in neurological rehabilitation.
Award sponsor Tru Rehab is a specialist Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) rehabilitation facility, which operates within residential units and community outreach to provide a full pathway of active rehabilitation, pre- community re-entry, supported living and community re-integration, including repatriation to original locality.
A representative from the sponsor will now judge the shortlist and select the winner, who will be revealed at a virtual event on November 19.
Congratulations to the shortlist and many thanks to everyone who took the time to nominate.
Inspirational Contribution Shortlist
Gary Dawson, support network manager, Spinal Injuries Association
Gary Dawson became paralysed from the waist down following a motorcycle accident at 19.
He spiralled into depression, substance abuse and suicidal thoughts, reaching rock bottom after his spinal cord injury.
Through counselling and peer support, Gary found hope and now dedicates his life to helping others facing similar struggles.
At the Spinal Injuries Association, he provides crucial early intervention – support that Manchester Bomb survivor Martin Hibbert credits with saving his life.
Gary cycles across Europe raising awareness, advocates for disability rights, and openly shares his ongoing mental health challenges to encourage others to seek help, proving that with proper support, life after paralysis can be meaningful.
Elizabeth Nightingale, neurologic music therapist and expert witness, Nightingale NMT
Elizabeth Nightingale is a Neurologic Music Therapist whose work spans children with cerebral palsy to adults with stroke and disorders of consciousness.
Her family-centred approach empowers caregivers through customised home programmes and accessible tools.
A pioneer in stroke rehabilitation and aphasia recovery, Elizabeth became the first UK therapist to deliver Neurologic Music Therapy® via digital Intensive Comprehensive Aphasia Programme, bringing high-intensity therapy into clients’ homes.
She actively trains allied health professionals through online courses, promoting integrated, person-centred care.
Claire Thornber, founder, Cauda Equina Champions Charity
Claire Thornber transformed her Cauda Equina Syndrome diagnosis from devastating personal crisis into pioneering healthcare reform.
As founder of Cauda Equina Champions Charity, she built the UK’s leading CES organisation, supporting 9,000 members across 20 countries with just two staff and six volunteers.
Claire’s campaigning helped establish the NHS National CES Pathway in 2023, ensuring consistency of care for patients across the country.
She also exposed flaws in the NHS 111 system, leading to rewritten triage scripts and algorithms so CES is better recognised, and helped create the award-winning CaudaEquina app available in 200 languages.
Claire bridges patients and academia as co-author on international studies, develops healthcare training programmes, and drives ethical reform through her Ethical Partnership Pledge.
