Paul Ashurst (Chair)
I am delighted to have joined Headway SW London as Secretary and I look forward to working with the members to further the aims and objectives of the Charity. As a solicitor dealing with serious and life changing injury claims my work brings me into contact both with individuals who have suffered and must deal with the effects of Traumatic Brain injuries, and those engaged in their care. Originally from Bolton I have lived in LB Sutton since 1985 and when not working or tending my Koi carp I can often be seen in Nonsuch Park walking the dog or with my granddaughter.
Susan Hughes
Sue is an Occupational Therapist working in independent practice with people who have suffered a brain injury and their families. Sue stepped down as a trustee in May 2019 due to reaching the maximum term as trustee before rejoining in September 2020. I have missed being a part of HSWL for the last year and a half and look forward to seeing old faces again, meeting new ones, and thinking of new ways and ideas to support our members going forwards. HSWL is a wonderful charity made up of the fabulous members and volunteers who give of themselves in so many ways. It’s great to be a part of!
Alex De Silva (Treasurer)
I was delighted to be invited to join Headway SW London as Treasurer in early 2021. I’m a qualified accountant and tax advisor, and currently work for a UK satellite operator that sells telecommunications services to governments and businesses in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. I went to school in Wimbledon, and my wife and I have lived a stone’s throw from St George’s Hospital in Tooting since 2011. When not watching sport on TV, my spare time is usually filled with cricket, cycling and travelling.
Leah Walsh
I am currently training to be an Educational Psychologist with a background in working with children with special educational needs and disabilities. In my spare time, I enjoy yoga, travelling, and trying new foods. I have volunteered at Headway for the past five years and have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know our members and the rest of the Headway team. I look forward to joining as a Trustee and contributing on a wider level.
Lawrence Hayes
I am a consultant in neurorehabilitation based at St George’s Wolfson Centre. My day to day work involves the care and rehabilitation of people affected by brain injury in their transition back to community living. Outside of work I am passionate about sports and especially triathlon, when not racing I can usually be found riding my bike around Richmond Park.
Alice Collier
I joined Headway SW London as a Trustee in October 2022, and I am very much looking forward to supporting Headway SW London and their inspiring service users going forward.
I am a Court of Protection Solicitor at Irwin Mitchell and work with clients who have sustained traumatic brain injuries. I am very passionate about rehabilitation and the work that Headway SW London does. In my spare time, I enjoy travelling, the outdoors and catching up with friends and family!
Charlotte Rees-Knowlden
I joined Headway SW London in January 2023 and am delighted to have also become a Trustee. I am very much looking forward to supporting and working with Headway SW London moving forward.
I am a solicitor and lead a team which works with clients who have sustained very serious and life changing injuries. We work with many individuals who have sustained traumatic brain injuries as well as the family and friends who care for and support them. During my legal career I have worked extensively with clients who have required long-term rehabilitation.
In my spare time I enjoy foreign travel and when I am not exploring new places, I will likely be found taking my two dogs for long muddy walks or trying to improve my cooking skills.
Chris Brunker
I first joined HSWL as a Trustee in 2015 and was Chair of Trustees from 2016 to 2022. After some time off, I’m delighted to rejoin as a Trustee. I work as a Clinical Nurse Specialist in the Neuro-ICU at St George’s Hospital: my work gives me a perspective on how the journey of living with ABI begins and involvement with Headway shows me what people with ABI can achieve.
Amar Dhani
I am a Physiotherapist by background and have volunteered with Headway for two years. My clinical background and volunteering experience have deepened my commitment to helping others.
I’m passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of individuals, especially Headway members. My goal is to use my expertise as a Physiotherapist to continue making a difference in the lives of Headway members.
In my free time, I love cycling through London and staying fit at the gym.
Recent Trustees
Alex Lowe
Thank you for such an incredible opportunity to work with Headway SW London in all its amazing services and support that it offers those affected by brain injury. I had to step down due to reaching six years as trustee in December 2023. Thank you to all our service users, group facilitators, volunteers, and trustees for everything you have put into the charity and making it what it is today. I know that the charity is in good hands with Paul, our new Chair, and I hope to see you all at some social events over the next year. -Alex, Dec 2023
Martin Usher
Justine Spiegelberg
I have thoroughly enjoyed supporting HSWL as a Trustee for the past 6 years. I have met so many wonderful people and worked alongside a fantastic group of Trustees. I am stepping down for a while but will to be back next year so hopefully not ‘farewell’ but ‘see you again soon!’ –Justine, May 2023