WHEN Steven Turnbull suffered a life-threatening brain haemorrhage almost eight years ago his life changed forever.

He survives on a cocktail of medication and morphine, and each day life presents fresh challenges as he battles against mini strokes and other related conditions.

His wife, Ann, is a constant support.

But for the past four years he’s also embarked on a mission to help others like him.

And this week the 53-year-old from Jedburgh was rewarded for his fundraising, event organising and co-ordination of respite holiday provision with a surprise awards celebration.

Steven has generated over £100,000 for fundraising group, Heads Together, since its formation in 2010.

They have their own premises in Galashiels and operate a static caravan for respite care at Berwick Holiday Centre.

On Monday at a surprise party organised by brain injury charity Momentum, Steven was presented with a glass plaque by consultant neurosurgeon Douglas Gentleman.

Douglas, who is also a board member of Momentum, told us: “Steve’s work to reduce isolation among people with a brain injury in the Borders has been an inspiration.” Steven was first referred to Momentum’s brain injury service in 2007 after suffering a brain haemorrhage, which affected him both physically and cognitively.

Through the Galashiels-based charity he met many others who faced similar difficulties through acquired brain injuries.

Momentum manager Harry Wood said: “Steven was touched by the people he met at Momentum and wanted to provide further community support for them to help with the isolation experienced by many.

“Steven created a fundraising group in 2010 for service users of Momentum.

“He successfully secured funding to support social occasions which offered members an opportunity to share personal experiences and provides peer support.” Over the past four years Steven’s Heads Together, which was granted charitable status in 2011, have offered further support for 25 Borderers with acquired brain injuries.

And on Monday many of them were at the Momentum office for his surprise party.

Steven told us: “This was a total shock. I thought I was coming to hear a talk.

“I’d like to thank everyone who has helped me over the years.

“Momentum and Heads Together are like big families to me.”