A WOMAN has told how she is rebuilding her life after a devastating brain injury.

An injury caused by loss of blood to the brain has left Diane Tew, 50, of Whitchurch, with psychological and cognitive problems including memory loss, and requires support with everyday living.

For the past three years, Diane has been supported by Headway Shropshire, which helps local people living with the long-term effects of brain injury.

Diane helped celebrate the first anniversary of Headway UK's charity shop on Whitchurch High Street, where she has worked as a volunteer since it first opened.

Immediately after her brain injury Diane needed 24 hour care, but now she has visits from Headway Shropshire's care assistants five times to help her with day-to-day tasks.

"My memory and anxiety have improved since joining Headway Shropshire," she said. "Nobody judged me and no-one belittled me."

When the national Headway charity announced it was opening a shop in Whitchurch in order to raise funds to support people across the UK, staff at Headway Shropshire thought Diane would make the perfect volunteer – and she jumped at the opportunity.

"When I first started I was nervous because I didn't know anybody," said Diane. "I asked a lot of questions, but everyone made me feel really welcome and now I'm much more confident.

"I used to be the till manager of a bank, so it was all about customer service. I loved talking to people face-to-face. Now staff and customers from the bank come into see me at the charity shop. I always try and help people if they're looking for something.

"My goal is to get back on the tills, when I'm feeling more confident."

Andrea Hogan, regional retail manager for Headway - the brain injury association, said: "Diane has come so far since her brain injury and she's a real asset to the shop.

"I also want to say a huge thank you to the Whitchurch community, we've had a fantastic first year and it's all thanks to their continued support.

"All of the money raised in the shop will help our charity to support people across the UK coming to terms with the devastating consequences of brain injury.

"Like all the Headway shops, the Whitchurch store relies entirely on stock donations.

"We always need good quality donations of clothing, bric a brac, media, children's toys, furniture and small electrical items and would be extremely grateful for any donations."

Anyone interested in volunteering or donating stock can visit the shop on 4 High Street, Whitchurch, Shropshire, or call shop manager Sue Sealy on 01948 661248.