My name is Natasha Richardson. Currently, I am 19 years old. In the year of 2000, aged 10, I was involved in a serious road traffic accident. Our car had been indicating to turn right onto a minor road, when a bus smashed into the back of the car. I had to have reconstruction of my skull, and 3 metal plates inserted into my head. At the time, they had no idea as to how I would develop into adulthood, whether I would develop any cognitive, behavioural or emotional weaknesses … nor even if I would survive. Furthermore, the increased risk of epilepsy encouraged greater reason for concern.

Nine years down the line, and after facing many difficulties along the way, I am now studying for a History degree and am in my second year of University. Throughout the past 9 years, I experienced family fragmentation due to the difficult circumstances that can arise after a brain injury, constant and amongst other things, seemingly continual failure to succeed in academic work at high school. Most notable since the accident, has been the severe chronic pain I receive on a daily basis surrounding the plates in my head, and with my spine which was also damaged.

Nevertheless, I am participating and contributing with the Silverlining as a means to prove to all who have experienced brain injury … that anything can be achieved. Miracles can be achieved!! Despite my constant memory problems throughout high school, I remained determined and achieved the GCSEs, AS and A-levels necessary to achieve a place at University. I decided to look upon my second chance with life as a blessing and in turn decided to put something back into the community - through various voluntary work for instance. As a result, I have since been rewarded with the Diana Princess of Wales Award. I have battled the chronic pain and also the fatigue which has arisen as a result of accident, in order to participate in an month-long expedition to Brazil in 2006.

My message is to all who have had a brain injury - all is not lost. You can climb mountains with your heart - all you need is faith. And that is what the Silverlining can really help you with, as well as provide you with the most amazing support and love.

My name is Natasha Richardson. Currently, I am 19 years old. In the year of 2000, aged 10, I was involved in a serious road traffic accident. Our car had been indicating to turn right onto a minor road, when a bus smashed into the back of the car. I had to have reconstruction of my skull, and 3 metal plates inserted into my head. At the time, they had no idea as to how I would develop into adulthood, whether I would develop any cognitive, behavioural or emotional weaknesses … nor even if I would survive. Furthermore, the increased risk of epilepsy encouraged greater reason for concern.

Nine years down the line, and after facing many difficulties along the way, I am now studying for a History degree and am in my second year of University. Throughout the past 9 years, I experienced family fragmentation due to the difficult circumstances that can arise after a brain injury, constant and amongst other things, seemingly continual failure to succeed in academic work at high school. Most notable since the accident, has been the severe chronic pain I receive on a daily basis surrounding the plates in my head, and with my spine which was also damaged.

Nevertheless, I am participating and contributing with the Silverlining as a means to prove to all who have experienced brain injury … that anything can be achieved. Miracles can be achieved!! Despite my constant memory problems throughout high school, I remained determined and achieved the GCSEs, AS and A-levels necessary to achieve a place at University. I decided to look upon my second chance with life as a blessing and in turn decided to put something back into the community - through various voluntary work for instance. As a result, I have since been rewarded with the Diana Princess of Wales Award. I have battled the chronic pain and also the fatigue which has arisen as a result of accident, in order to participate in an month-long expedition to Brazil in 2006.

My message is to all who have had a brain injury - all is not lost. You can climb mountains with your heart - all you need is faith. And that is what the Silverlining can really help you with, as well as provide you with the most amazing support and love.