Three incredible individuals have been shortlisted for the Inspirational contribution award at the NR Times Awards 2026, sponsored by Richardson Care.
From shaping rehabilitation through lived experience to supporting people with complex needs and raising funds for children with brain injury, this year’s finalists demonstrate the many ways individuals can make a lasting difference.
The award recognises inspirational contributions across neuro-rehabilitation, celebrating those whose actions bring hope, create opportunities and help others achieve meaningful milestones.
About the sponsor
Richardson Care is a family owned business with a 30-year proven track record.
We provide specialist residential care and rehabilitation for adults with acquired brain injury and for those with learning disabilities. Our continued success is a direct result of the professionalism of our staff and our continuous commitment to invest in their development.
Our staff are selected for their qualities of reliability, integrity, caring nature and professionalism.
Richardson Care recognises the importance of having an experienced multi- disciplinary team, to deliver person-centred care, supporting service users to achieve their personal goals and fulfil their potential.
Our ethos is always to provide a socially inclusive environment where everyone is respected and valued, enabling them to experience the best quality of life that they can.
Inspirational Contribution Award Shortlist
Steve Brown, lived experience director, Active Neuro
As lived experience director at Active Neuro, Steve Brown draws on his own rehabilitation journey to improve the experiences of patients and families.
After breaking his neck in 2005, Steve went on to captain Great Britain’s wheelchair rugby team at London 2012 and build a television career, including appearances on Countryfile and Escape to the Country.
At Active Neuro, he has helped develop a concierge service that gives patients and families a familiar face and trusted source of support. He also created an app to structure conversations throughout each stay, ensuring concerns have an assigned owner and deadline.
His contribution extends to staff workshops exploring how everyday interactions affect patients, alongside accessible design standards that give people greater comfort, privacy and control over their surroundings.
As Steve puts it: “Rehabilitation isn’t just about recovering physically; it’s about believing in yourself again.”
Dr Kumi Pillay, medical director, Cygnet
Dr Kumi Pillay’s nomination highlights a clinician whose influence reaches beyond individual consultations, helping colleagues recognise the potential of people with complex neuropsychiatric needs.
His approach places the person’s history, relationships and aspirations at the centre of rehabilitation, alongside their clinical needs.
For individuals whose progress can be slow or unpredictable, he recognises the importance of improvements in wellbeing, engagement and everyday life, helping teams maintain confidence in the rehabilitation process.
Kumi shares his expertise with clinical teams across the country, undertaking assessments and building understanding of specialist neuropsychiatric rehabilitation.
His nomination also highlights his support for new service developments within neuropsychiatric pathways, staff development and knowledge sharing with hundreds of people working with those affected by brain injury.
Zac Lammas
Zac Lammas was 16 when a ruptured arteriovenous malformation caused a brain haemorrhage and stroke in February 2019.
After waking from a coma unable to talk, eat or move, he received intensive rehabilitation at The Children’s Trust. He subsequently returned to education, passed his driving test and secured work producing composite materials for racing teams.
Zac has since become a committed supporter of the charity, sharing his story at fundraising events and inspiring donations from his family, employer and wider community.
In February 2026, he co-wrote and performed a comedy sketch alongside Adam Hills at London’s Comedy Store.
Through his appearances and the support he has inspired, Zac has helped raise more than £74,000 for The Children’s Trust since 2023.
Celebrating contributions that change lives
Congratulations to all three finalists, and thank you to Richardson Care for supporting this category.
The winners of the NR Times Awards 2026 will be announced during an online video presentation on December 2.
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