A MOTHER who created her own support group after she developed a rare brain condition has been shortlisted for a national award.

Jan Hampson, 53, from Dinas Powys, is one of just three people from across the UK to be named a finalist for the Alex Richardson Achiever of the Year Award.

The accolade will be presented at a ceremony organised by Headway – the brain injury association, in London on Friday, December 16.

Each year, Headway Annual Awards celebrates the exceptional efforts of survivors of brain injury and their carers.

Mrs Hampson, who has a son named Sion and daughter named Sian, was nominated in the awards for her work setting up a social group called Brainy Friends

In 2011, Jan was diagnosed with Chiari Malformation which causes the lowest part of the back of the brain to extend into the spinal canal.

If it was left unchecked it could have resulted in paralysis.

She underwent surgery to remove part of the skull at the back of her head and release the pressure on the brain.

She said: "The first operation went well although complications meant three further operations were needed and I spent 41 days in the high dependency unit and on general wards.

"During the operation, I suffered a bleed and subdural haematoma and needless to say this was an extremely fraught time."

Despite feeling she had lost almost everything that she enjoyed from her previous lifestyle, she refused to give up and with the help of her local Headway group is rebuilding her life.

She said: "I had a very active and rewarding outgoing lifestyle before the operation.

"I loved cycling, rock climbing, caving, scuba diving, sea kayaking and motorcycling and these took up almost every minute of my spare time.

"My life has changed and it has devastated my family's life and changed it forever but we make the best of things.

"I am still here and we do what we can," Mrs Hampson said.

The service user led group she set up gives people with acquired brain injuries a further place to socialise and support one another away from Headway Cardiff.

It now meets on a monthly basis with up to 17 people attending.

She said: "I felt there was room for more social occasions in addition to that provided by Headway Cardiff and it seemed like a good way to spend time with the new friends I had made there.

"I know of our daily struggles and that it can be very isolating.

"So when we are together we can be ourselves without being judged.

"It’s a real honour to be shortlisted for the award and I’m gobsmacked to be honest.

"I just love doing it and seeing my friends having so much fun makes me so happy."

Mrs Hampson has been nominated by her friend and Headway Cardiff chief executive, Rebecca Pearce.

She said: "When you get to know Jan, you realise that if you were to pick a friend, she is exactly the sort of friend you would want.

She is very plain spoken and honest and tells you how it really is but is also incredibly loyal and caring."

"She’s very brave as well. She has experienced so much change and has to endure so much uncertainty.

"I know she struggles and she’s frightened but I’ve never heard her self-pitiful and she still has room for so much caring for others."

Each year, Headway Annual Awards celebrates the exceptional efforts of survivors of brain injury and their carers.