Meeting Glen Hickman today, it would be easy to overlook the extraordinary journey that has brought him to this point. Glen is a trustee at Headway Essex and is preparing to take on a remarkable personal and fundraising challenge: a 1,000-mile cycle ride from Land’s End to John O’Groats. The journey, which spans the length of Britain, represents not only a physical test of endurance but also a powerful symbol of recovery, resilience, and determination.
Just five years ago, Glen’s life changed in an instant. He was involved in a serious cycling accident a mile from his home and was found unconscious at the roadside after sustaining a head injury. He suffered a traumatic brain injury, and an Air Ambulance doctor and critical care paramedic took over his breathing and stabilised him at the scene. Glen was placed into a medically induced coma. He has no memory of the accident or the following two weeks. Glen sustained multiple brain injuries and spent seven weeks in hospital, followed by six months away from work. His recovery has been long and ongoing, marked by significant challenges including fatigue, sensory overload, and the inability to drive or engage with everyday activities such as listening to music or watching television.
Despite these difficulties, Glen has worked steadily to rebuild his life. Returning to work after six months, he recognised he was still recovering but began to reflect on the wider challenges faced by others living with brain injury. He became increasingly aware that other people were also facing similar struggles – often trying to minimise their experiences so as not to be seen as a burden or “less than.” Glen feels strongly that a brain injury does not make someone second-best, and that no one should feel they have to hide what they are going through.
Motivated by this, Glen established a brain injury peer support group in his workplace, creating a safe and supportive environment where individuals could share experiences and support one another. He remains closely involved with Essex and Herts Air Ambulance, contributing to research and innovation focused on improving patient and family experiences following traumatic brain injury.
Glen’s journey with Headway Essex began when he approached his local branch in Benfleet to volunteer. After learning more about his lived experience and his ongoing commitment to supporting others, Headway Essex invited him to join its Board of Trustees. As a trustee, Glen brings invaluable lived experience to the organisation’s governance. His insight helps shape informed and compassionate decision-making, ensuring that the voices of people living with brain injury remain central to Headway Essex’s work. The organisation benefits significantly from trustees who combine a professional perspective with personal understanding. This input helps ensure services remain grounded in the real experiences of those they support, strengthening Headway Essex’s ability to deliver meaningful, person-centred care and advocacy for individuals and families affected by brain injury.
Reflecting on his role, Glen said: “I contacted Headway and asked them what volunteer opportunities they had. I felt this was a logical next step following the work I’m already doing: brain injury peer support at work; supporting research projects; enrolled to be a mentor to someone with life-changing injuries; fundraising; supporting a few others affected by brain injury on an individual basis. Seeking more opportunities to use my experience to help others just feels right (and cathartic). When I met Headway Essex and was asked to be a Trustee, I felt privileged to be asked and to be in a position that can help others. I hope I bring value to that role, and to other service users of Headway Essex. My brain injury is all dark and negative, but being involved and helping brings light to help balance that dark.”
On May 10, Glen will begin his 1,000-mile ride from Land’s End to John O’Groats, raising funds for Headway and Air Ambulance UK, which represents the UK’s 21 air ambulance charities. The challenge is particularly significant given his return to cycling following the accident that changed his life. For Glen, the ride represents both a personal and physical milestone. “It has robbed me of things, but I don’t want it to rob me of this,” he said. “This ride is about proving to myself that I can do it and showing that there is life – and quality of life – after brain injury.” Glen added: “I hope that my involvement with both charities is of value to them and while I can never repay what I owe, I hope this fundraising goes some way to express the gratitude I have.”
Anyone wishing to support Glen can do so via his JustGiving page.
