Rebuilding hope on the playing field: how sports can heal families after brain injury.
This post was co-authored with Dr Audrey Daisley, Consultant Clinical Neuropsychologist.
For individuals who have sustained injuries, engaging in sports has proven benefits as evidenced through large-scale, high-profile events such as the Paralympic or the Invictus Games. For the individuals affected, participation in sports can redefine the post-injury possibilities and restore a sense of normalcy; crucially, identity can be forged and purpose found.
Many of our clients have experienced a similar connection with participation in sports post-injury – whether this is a return to a previously loved activity or seeking new ways in which to engage with physical pursuits. Clients tell us stories of newfound confidence, pleasure and achievement, often defying the odds. Rehabilitation programmes are starting to reflect the importance of physical activity (e.g. Calvert Reconnections) and case managers and deputies budget for clients to be supported to resume or take up sports as part of community re-engagement / integration.
Significantly, sports also has the potential to provide numerous benefits that extend to the families of ABI survivors. In the aftermath of a brain injury, families often find themselves navigating an uncertain and challenging path. Amidst the medical appointments, therapy and rehabilitation sessions, incomplete but devastating losses, role and relationship changes and emotional upheavals, one unexpected source of hope emerges – sports. Far from just being a physical activity or pastime, sports can become a transformative force, fostering resilience, community, a renewed sense of purpose and hope for family members.
One of our joint clients, James, sustained a severe brain injury 20 years ago. James’s mother, Judy, reflects on the impact on her of seeing her son complete sporting challenges many years post-injury.
"He was not expected to survive. His rehabilitation is largely down to motivated hard work from James and the various staff treating him over the years. James was interested in exercise and sport before his accident and this has taken centre stage in his rehabilitation. He has undertaken long walks for charity e.g. The Camino in Spain, West Highland Way, Pennine Way, Hadrian’s wall. He undertook a triathlon …this was the Olympic distance which he completed in just over three and half hours. This brought swimming, running and cycling to the table. James enjoys running in the form of 10K and half marathons. He has improved his skills in skiing and surfing. Recently James has taken up rowing (he was encouraged by Esme Booth the recent team GB silver medallist). He has just completed a distance challenge rowing to France and back and winning his race in the Oxford City Regatta on 18/8/24. James uses Qi Qong (a form of Tai Chi) for relaxation.
James impresses and encourages all who witness these achievements. As for myself I am very proud of James’s mission to provide for others".
Sports are a huge part of James’s weekly routine often linking these to personal rehab goals as well as fund raising activities. Charities James has raised funds for have included the Silverlining, Maggies Centre, Homelessness in Oxford, Headway and the Club Foot Programme in Zimbabwe.
Similarly, the parents of Harvey – resuming football as key motivator for recovery after TBI - have created films attesting to the role sport has played in their son’s and their own hope after ABI. They also featured in our recent Untold Stories of sport after injury film.
The benefits to families:
- Engaging in sports can lead to better physical and emotional health for disabled people, reducing the burden on families and offering hope for a more fulfilling enjoyable and independent life.
- Participation in sports can enhance a person’s self-esteem and improve mental health - family members have reported how this has led to a more positive atmosphere at home and a reduction in challenging behaviours.
- Social integration: sports provide opportunities for people with disabilities to expand their social networks, make new friends, integrate socially, which can alleviate family concerns about social isolation and loneliness.
- Skills development through learning new sports can be a crucial way of achieving rehab goals; providing family with new perspectives, and more hopeful perspectives on the person’s abilities in the context of change.
- Achievement and recognition: success in sports can lead to recognition and a sense of accomplishment, giving families a sense of pride and hope for their loved one’s future potential and opportunities.
- Identity gains -seeing glimmers of the old person – either in the retention / preservation of skills e.g. Harvey resuming football or learning new sports skills utilising pre- morbid traits such as determination, patience and ambition. Families seeing that not everything has changed.
- Support networks: families often connect with other families through support communities, providing mutual support, shared experiences, and practical advice - this can be uplifting and hopeful for families.
- Perspective and a sense of normality: seeing their loved ones participate in sports and achieve/exceed their goals, can help families focus on abilities rather than disabilities. Fostering a sense of possibility and optimism.
- Advocacy and awareness: involvement in sports can raise awareness and advocate for better accessibility and inclusion, driving societal change and offering hope for a more inclusive future. People with ABI are seen as role models – resulting in families feeling proud and hopeful.
- Enhanced family bonds – shared experiences of supporting and celebrating sporting achievements can strengthen family bonds/relationships and provide cherished memories and foster hope.
Indeed James’s brothers are said to be very proud of his sporting achievements and Sean has run a half marathon with him. Judy reflects:
“Life in the family of a brain injured person is very difficult. Nothing can compensate for James’s loss of abilities and his possible career path. James needs support to carry out his various sports. The current support workers are incredible with coming alongside him in many ways. This helps us, as a family, know that James will enjoy his sport and be safe”.
Extending the definition of family – to include benefits for others close to survivors, notably their support worker teams. Dr Audrey Daisley, Consultant Clinical Neuropsychologist, highlights:
“some lovely examples of James’s support worker team reflecting on feelings of pride for James when they have worked alongside him on sporting challenges; noting his determination and strength to succeed even in the face of huge physical challenge.
Sports offers support workers (and families)
- an alternative perspective of the client they are supporting – being afforded the opportunity to see previously unnoticed skills they possess – I recall a support worker saying of James (when he had taken a cheque to be presented to a charity) “ in that moment I was bursting with this pride for this man….it was then that I knew he could achieve whatever he wants and that we have a role to play in this), and;
- to be alongside the client in a different role / relationship – eg working on a shared goal, and experiencing similar hurdles such as tiredness, injury when training”.
The importance of hope for families will be explored at the fourth Ahead Together conference – “Reclaiming Hope”.
Hope in the context of neurorehabilitation has been described as an “overlooked asset” (Wade, 2024) despite the considerable research base that supports hope as a positive influence in client experience and recovery. Fostering hope in the family members of brain injury survivors has received even less attention. This is a significant oversight – given both the negative impact of ABI on relatives and their crucial role in patient outcomes.
To address this gap, Ahead Together 2025 will bring together brain injury professionals and family members to share the stage; experiences of hope (or lack of) in brain injury services will be discussed and inspirational stories of how family hope has been harnessed will be shared with the aim of inspiring best practice and driving change in service provision and culture.
Our expert injury solicitors have helped to secure access to sport and other physical rehabilitation for many clients. If you are considering a claim for compensation, contact us today to find out how we can help.
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