A WINSFORD woman is launching a support group to help car crash victims come to terms with crippling head injuries.

Tina Griffiths, a former Toc H and MIND worker, wants to base a branch of Headway - an organisation already established in cities and large towns throughout the country - at the Neighbourhood Centre in Winsford.

The group would give sufferers in the area their first chance to get together to share and discuss their experiences and offer comfort.

Tina said: "It offers both practical and moral support to anyone who has suffered brain damage, whether the effects are on their mental or physical well-being, or both. It also offers help and backing to their families and carers.

"The nearest group is Stoke and there is one in Manchester but we feel it's time there was some help nearer home for people in South and Mid Cheshire.

"If we get enough response we will ask a Headway representative from Chester to come and help with the launch."

Despite the limitations his injuries have placed on him, car crash victim Alan Corliano has teamed up with Tina to spark off the initiative in Winsford.

He has seen previous Headway groups in action and as soon as he moved to Crewe six months ago, was looking for one to join.

Alan suffered brain damage in a road accident in Scotland which left him in a coma for weeks with only a 50-50 chance of survival.

He said: "Being able to share experiences, problems and ideas with others in the same boat as me would make such a lot of difference to my life and I'm sure there are others who feel the same.

"But unfortunately my injuries have affected my thinking and planning powers. Tina's offer to help means my hopes of establishing a local group can get underway, provided we get a good response from others.

"It's taken me a long time to recover and the left hand side of my body doesn't function properly. I get tired easily and often simply can't cope with things.

"But life's still sweet. I try and make the most of the capabilities I have and that's something I feel I could develop if I had the fellowship and support of others with similar problems."

Anyone who is interested in joining a local group can get in touch with Tina and Alan on 01606 554603.

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