A brain injury survivor has described how he struggles every day with “fatigue, concentration, language difficulties and memory loss”.

Dean Harding, from Harold Wood, was 21 when he was left fighting for his life following a vicious assault in a nightclub.

His loved ones feared for the worst when they discovered that he was suffering from internal bleeding and a blood clot on the brain.

Dean was eventually able to pull through, but his relationships with family and friends suffered following the assault.

“I was in a wheelchair for 15 months, so completely relied on my mum and dad for everything,” he said.

Despite sustaining his injuries over two decades ago, Dean, now 45, is still “on the road to recovery”, as he suffers from weakness on the left side of his body and walks with a limp.

However, this hasn’t prevented him from working tirelessly to help support the work of local brain injury charity Headway East London and its members.

Dean set up Headway East London’s Better Together project, which provides “education, emotional support and guidance” to brain injury survivors after they have been discharged from hospital.

As a result of Dean’s tireless fundraising efforts, the project recently managed to secure an additional four years of funding, to the tune of £140,000.

This Is Local London: Dean Harding with his son Harper Dean Harding with his son Harper (Image: Dean Harding)

Dean is to now be recognised for his work on December 9 at the charity’ annual luncheon. He is one of three finalists for the Stephen McAleese Outstanding Contribution to Headway Award.

He said: “[The nomination] means so much to me. There’s just no other charity like Headway, and we’re all like family. I wouldn’t be able to live without Headway, so to be able to give something back and be recognised for it is marvellous.”

Natalie Clapshaw, from Headway East London, who nominated Dean for the award, said: “Dean really does bring a sense of hope and energy to everyone he meets – our members at support groups, patients in hospital and the staff team he is part of.

“To win an award would put the biggest smile on Dean’s face, and I’d love to see him get the recognition he deserves.”