Manea couple making 'Headway' for London Marathon in aid of head injury charity

A newly married couple are starting their life as husband and husband by lacing up their running shoes and training for the London marathon for a charity close to their hearts.

Ian Scott-Logan and his husband Kerry, who tied the knot just before Christmas, are raising money for the head injury charity Headway.

The decision comes after Ian suffered life-threatening injuries in a car crash in December 2020, including a major head injury which left him fighting for his life.

It took months for Ian to slowly recover physically and in that time he feared he would never run again.

He said: "You never believe it will happen to you, but a brain injury can happen to anyone at any time.

"In fact statistics show every year around 350,000 people are admitted to hospital with an acquired brain injury.

"That's one every 90 seconds. And I'm one of those."

Ian was on his way to work on an icy morning when his car skidded on black ice and sent him careering sideways along the road and into the path of an oncoming van.

The collision saw Ian trapped in his car and in need of urgent medical care.

He was rescued by emergency service crews and was provided with on the scene expert treatment by paramedics.

Once at hospital he was borderline to undergo surgery for a bleed on the brain and at one point Kerry was told it was touch and go whether Ian would make it.

Thankfully he survived and has undergone physiotherapy and other treatment on his road to recovery, which included support from Headway, which is still continuing.

Ian said: "I was introduced to Headway fairly soon after my injury, and have found them to be a great help in understanding and dealing with my conditions, whilst also making progress with my recovery to date.

"I am hoping to return a very small part of what Headway has been able to do for me, by raising money for their charity, in order for them to continue with their support and services they provide to those with head injuries/conditions.

"It can happen to anyone quicker than a click of the fingers, it certainly did me.

"Running was a huge passion of mine before the accident, and one of my biggest fears was that I'd never be able to run again. I spent a lot of last summer watching people running past my window as I slowly recovered at home and it was very frustrating, I wanted to be out their running.

"After lots of encouragement, guidance and support from everyone including friends, family, work colleagues, medical professionals and the fantastic ongoing support and guidance from Headway, I’m so proud that I’ve now been fortunate enough to be offered a place by Headway to run the London Marathon on Sunday October 2.

"This charity is amazing, they not only helped (and still continue to do so) me, but they are there for everyone else, to give guidance and support on how to deal and manage someone with a brain injury.As well as checking in with those around me to make sure their own health is being looked after."

Ian still suffers from short term memory loss which is not only frustrating for him but also for those around him and he paid tribute to Kerry for his love and support during the past 12 months.

He said: "Kerry has been absolutely fantastic. He has been so patient and constantly by my side while I slowly get back to being me. Living with a brain injury is hard, but it’s just as hard for those around me as-well sometimes, especially Kerry.

"It is fantastic to have him by my side as we train for the London marathon. Marrying him in December was a celebration of everything we have together and that we could have lost that day in December 2020."

To donate visit Ian's Justgiving page here.