Three clients with different stories and one thing in common - the Headway centre which they have attended - took to the stage alongside legal and health professionals at Headway Devon's annual brain injury conference.

Rob Moulding, Jenny Scott and David Herbert - who have all been supported by staff at Headway Devon's centre in Honiton - were asked to speak at the conference because they reflect a cross-section of different experiences of brain injury.

Delegates watched brief video introductions before the trio answered questions from the floor about their personal experiences with brain injury.

Rob told the audience how his plans for a career in the financial industry were left in tatters after a brain injury forced him to leave university over ten years ago. He now lives in supported accomodation and has been unable to work since his tumour was discovered.

Jenny, by contrast, experienced a brain injury as a result of a road traffic collision in May 2008. She has been able to continue in her job as a university lecturer. There are few outward signs of Jenny's injury, and she spoke about the challenges that this has posed.

Other speakers at the conference included science writer and broadcaster Rita Carter, senior Court of Protection judge Denzil Lush and personal injury lawyer Jonathan Peacock, a parter at Irwin Mitchell.

Feedback gathered from delegates was overwhelmingly positive. One said: "The conference was a valuable opportunity to update knowledge about brain injury. The three people who had head injuries were a real help especially Jenny, who had a 'mild' injury. Her story opened my eyes."

Following the success of this year's event, next year's conference has been scheduled for Friday 1 October 2010. To book, call Anna Finnegan on 01392 211822.

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