Headway-Natal bids Ian a fond farewell
After six years a the NPO, Ian Vowles has chosen to retire and spend time with his family in South Africa and abroad.
AFTER six years at Headway-Natal, Ian Vowles bid the organisation a fond farewell at his retirement party last week, Tuesday, 26 January.
In April 2008, Ian was involved in a cycling accident and sustained frontal lobe damage as well as a fractured skull. He was in ICU for 15 days at St Augustine’s and was off work for four months. During that time, he spent two months at Headway-Natal during his recovery.
Unable to cope with the workload after his injury, he retired from his position in the packaging industry in 2009. Headway-Natal is a non-profit organisation based in Westville that provides much support to people with brain injuries and stroke sufferers.
“After a year, Headway-Natal ran into some funding problems and in 2010 asked me to help them with admin. I really didn’t want it to close down. After six incredible years I am now retiring, for a second time,” said Ian.
When he first started working at the NPO, there was a total of five therapists and 60 patients and were on the edge of closure. “Fortunately, I was able to get it back on its feet by appealing to trusts and through other fundraising initiatives. There are now 145 patients and eight physiotherapists,” said a proud Ian.
His plans during retirement are to first travel abroad to see his family and then, upon his return to South Africa, he will continue travelling locally. “I will certainly miss the journey at Headway and what it has done for me as a person, and I know that I will still be involved there in some way or another,” said Ian.
He will miss the incredible developments made by survivors as well as the incredible spirit he said exists at the organisation. “I have many fond memories of Headway-Natal and as it always had a special and welcoming atmosphere. It is so unlike a hospital or a clinic, but still acts as a place for people to progress after a stoke or head injury.”
His successor is Rod Sutter, who has a host of hospital experience. “I wish him well and I know that he will get the same amount of support I received during my time at Headway,” said Ian.
If you would like to get involved at the organisation, contact Headway-Natal on 031 266 2709 or visit 11 Menston Road, Westville.
