Thompsons Solicitors has thanked all Headway members who submitted their Christmas card designs in this year’s #HappyChristmasHeadway campaign by showcasing all of the entries across social media through daily posts and photo albums.

Over the past 12 days the campaign, which closes today [Friday 23 December], has celebrated the achievements and creativity of brain injury survivors while aiming to raise awareness of the important work of brain injury charity, Headway.

69-year-old Rodney Davis, a brain injury survivor from Folkestone in East Kent, scooped first prize in the competition for his striking painting of a stag following a vote by delegates of The Way Ahead Conference, organised by brain injury charity Headway.

In 2005, Rodney suffered a stroke and was unable to return to work due to weakness in his right side and his aphasia. He was also unable to drive his beloved cars.

With the support of Headway, Rodney was encouraged to join a beginner’s watercolour course which helped him move forward in his new life. Since then he has not looked back and continues to get immense satisfaction from art. He has always been very critical of his own artwork but with the positive feedback he has received about his painting from his fellow Headway friends, he felt confident enough to submit it to the competition.

Out of 150 entries submitted from Headway’s 125 groups and branches, Rodney’s design appeared this year on the official Thompsons Christmas card for 2016 and has been available to purchase in Headway groups and branches across the UK to raise funds for the charity.

“Using art therapy as part of the rehabilitation process has many benefits for brain injury survivors so it’s fantastic to see so many people inspired by the competition and submitting their entries,” said Samantha Hemsley, national head of the serious injury and clinical negligence team at Thompsons Solicitors.

“We’re always proud to support the exceptional work of charities and support groups like Headway, which is why we launched our #HappyChristmasHeadway campaign. Not only has the campaign celebrated the creativity of brain injury survivors but it’s also motivated many to consider art therapy as part of their rehabilitation.

“I’d like to say a big thank you to Rodney and to all who submitted entries for this year’s competition. It was clear from the submissions we received that a lot of care and dedication was put into each design and we can’t wait to see what next year’s competition will inspire.”

To see and share Rodney’s winning design and the 12 shortlisted entries, follow @ThompsonsLaw @ThompsonsInjury on Twitter or search #HappyChristmasHeadway.

#HappyChristmasHeadway competition