TWO decades ago Clive Wearing was an eminent music conductor.

But after waking up one morning his whole world was turned upside down.

After developing viral encaphalitis, Clive couldn't remember anything about his past and today has a memory span of just seven seconds.

He is just one of thousands of brain injury sufferers around the country and his story was retold in Swindon to mark Action for Brain Injury Week.

Clive's wife Deborah visited Headway in Headlands Trading Estate as part of the charity's awareness and advice day.

The author of Forever Today gave a talk called Life After Brain Injury.

She said she wrote her book so other people would understand the needs of those with brain injuries and their families.

She said: "When my husband became ill, there were very few facilities for people with brain injuries.

"He fell ill in 1985 and soon after I created The Amnesia Association, which merged with Headway in 1991.

"Most people with head injuries are young adults with their entire lives ahead of them and the work Headway does is all about helping people make the best of what they have.

"There is a lot of ignorance about the condition and there should be a lot more support available for those who need it. I hope now that we can get more people asking questions to find out more about it and offer people the support they need."

The day also featured information from carers and counsellors and also legal advice.

According to a survey released to mark the start of Action for Brain Injury Week, 60 per cent of those who responded had experienced discrimination from at least one social service and more than two-thirds of brain injury survivors believed they were discriminated against.

Joanna Pearse, business manager for Headway Swindon and District, said: "Brain damage affects a person's personality and character.

"Here at Headway we try to support not only those with brain damage but also their families, friends and carers. We hope to provide an understanding of why their loved ones are behaving in a certain way and also aim to raise more awareness.

"It is misunderstood and a little known condition. It's a hidden injury and most don't realise there is a problem. We need people to get help where they can."