An East Hampshire man who suffered a serious brain injury in a devastating collision is up for a national award after turning his recovery into support for other survivors.

Ed Marshall was forced to rebuild his life after suffering a traumatic brain injury and several broken bones in a road traffic accident in 2013.

The father-of-four from Clanfield used his experiences to support other young brain injury survivors after being directed towards Headway Portsmouth & South East Hampshire during his recovery.

And his inspirational attitude has turned heads at the charity, with Ed being nominated for the Alex Richardson Achiever of the Year title at their Annual Awards.

Ed has been hailed as “role model” by nominees in a category that recognises the remarkable achievements of brain injury survivors. He’s now confident and determined to help other people who were in his shoes, but it was a different story just over a decade ago.

The former plasterer and bricklayer was delivering an invoice when his van was spun into oncoming traffic after being struck in the rear by another vehicle.

Ed spent several weeks in a coma after suffering a laceration to his liver, a punctured lung and breaks to his neck, collar bones and ribs in addition to his brain injury.

The impact wasn’t just physical as Ed also experienced a loss of confidence and identity during recovery.

The turnaround began when he was directed to Headway, a charity that supports people affected by brain injury through outreach services, sports therapy, training courses and a packed diary of social activities.

He said: “When the accident happened, I just thought I was badly injured and I’d be in a cast and my bones would heal, as they have when I’ve broken my wrist before.”

“Staff at the hospital and my neuropsychologist kept advising me to go to Headway, and initially I just fobbed it off, but I eventually went along.

“Up until I did, I was the only person on that ship; it was sinking and it was a scary place to be.

“But once you’ve met a few others on that boat, it’s not such a bitter pill.”

Ed now leads the charity’s Young Adults Group and used his experience to support survivors aged 18 to 30.

He said: “When you’re in the thick of recovery, it’s horrible.

“I’ve walked in their shoes. I know and appreciate what they’re going through.”

Ed was nominated for the award, sponsored by Slater & Gordon Lawyers, by Headway Portsmouth & South East Hampshire CEO, Jo Dallas.

Jo said: “What makes Ed truly remarkable is how he has used his lived experience to support others.

“He is a role model for other young people with brain injuries, showing them that there is life beyond their diagnosis.”

The Headway Annual Awards ceremony will take place at the Royal Lancaster in London on December 10. The event celebrates the dedication, growth and outstanding achievements of brain injury survivors, carers, volunteers and others in the Headway community across the country.