A man who lost the basic skills we all take for granted after a brain haemorrhage knows exactly how much the money raised for a brain injury charity by a local club is needed.

Steve Smith suffered a bleed on the brain after his injury eight years ago, but with the help of Headway Swindon he was able to start from scratch again.

He was on hand with staff at the charity based in Faraday Road in Dorcan to accept a donation from North Swindon Working Men’s Club.

The club had put on a fun day including games of bingo, football cars and a raffle and raised more than £1,000 which will go towards Headway’s work in rehabilitating those who suffer brain injury or head trauma.

Steve was thrilled with the club’s generosity. He said: “The work this place does for people is tremendous, I can’t stress that enough and a charity that does so much good needs all the help it can get.

“It was unbelievable to see how much was raised and the donations will help change someone’s life, like it did for me.

“They truly are superb and make the impossible seem possible, with their determination and patience to help others.”

Jane Weston, the charity’s chief executive officer, attended the fundraiser and was blown away by how many people were at the event.

“It’s people and companies that help keep this place going and I can’t thank them enough, we are very grateful to the North Swindon Club for hosting such an excellent occasion.

“The generosity of the pub and the other individuals in attendance was magnificent to see and I can’t thank them all enough.”

The money raised will go towards a rehabilitation day centre which will involve helping clients with singing, yoga and art – it will support them with their creative side.

Jane added: “It is important to have a range of activities available for people with brain trauma to try.

“This will also help with their recovery as they will find the activities therapeutic which will help them with the relaxation process.”

The charity moved to Avocet House in Dorcan in 2015 to cater for additional clients, and since it has seen the number of its service users go from 67 to 92 with 126 visits per week.

Its main work is to offer cognitive rehabilitation therapy to allow sufferers form a brain injury to regain higher skills and to develop coping strategies.

For more details visit the charity's website at headwayswindon.org.uk