P.A.U.L For Brain Recovery celebrates A Decade of Difference at anniversary ball.
A Hull man who set up a brain injury charity after surviving an unprovoked attack has celebrated its 10th anniversary with a ball attended by more than 500 guests, raising more than £11,000 for people living with acquired brain injury (ABI) and their families.
In 2012, Paul Spence suffered a brain haemorrhage after he was the victim of an unprovoked attack. After leaving a high dependency unit, he and his family faced a long and difficult recovery and soon realised there was very little support for brain injury survivors in the community.
Determined to become “the best version of the new him”, Paul set up P.A.U.L For Brain Recovery to give others the lifeline he had lacked: somewhere to go after leaving hospital. The charity’s centre opened in 2016, and it now offers free one-to-one support, physical and social sessions, and education workshops for people across the Humber rebuilding their lives after brain injury, an often “invisible” disability.
Paul, now the charity’s founder and CEO, gave the keynote speech at the ball, held at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hull on Saturday 26 September, reflecting on its first decade.
Paul said: “It feels surreal and humbling, but above all, I’m grateful. After my brain injury, everything changed and I lost the life I had built. I never imagined the life I would go on to live, or the amazing people I would meet over the next 10 years. Everyone who celebrated with me at the ball has been part of my journey, and I feel so grateful and privileged to have shared this milestone with them. The money raised will help us support even more people affected by acquired brain injury and their families. Here’s to the next 10!”
Hosted by MC Steve Jordan and themed A Decade of Difference, the evening brought together supporters, local businesses and people whose lives have been changed by brain injury. Guests also heard from:
- Emma Hardy, MP for Kingston upon Hull West and Haltemprice and Minister of State at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
- Neil Hudgell, executive chairman of Hudgell Solicitors
- Dr Selen Osman, consultant clinical neuropsychologist and head of psychological services at Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
- Izzy Hirst, charity ambassador and brain injury survivor
- Richard Hirst, trustee of the charity and Izzy’s father
Dr Selen Osman said: “It has been a privilege to work alongside P.A.U.L For Brain Recovery over the past 10 years. Recovery from brain injury does not end when people are discharged from clinical services. The support, understanding and community that the charity provides make a real difference to people and their families, as they navigate the challenges of living with a brain injury. The ball was a wonderful celebration of everything it has achieved, and I look forward to the charity’s achievements over the next 10 years.”
The money raised will go towards the charity’s free services. For example, £35 helps one person in crisis get the support and guidance they need; £2,000 funds family support sessions for up to 20 relatives of people with a brain injury; and £5,000 pays for tailored gym sessions for 10 people rebuilding their strength and confidence. All of it helps make sure nobody has to face brain injury alone.
The ball was sponsored by gunnercooke (main sponsor) and The Golden Thread (supporting sponsor). Next year’s ball will take place on Saturday 2 October 2027.