It’s Brain Awareness Week (16-22 March) – a campaign that promotes the importance and real benefits of brain research. As you know, our vision is to help improve the outcome and quality of life for every individual with a neurological disorder. We want to drive pioneering clinical research, improve access to the latest technology to provide expert diagnosis, and train tomorrow’s leading scientists and clinicians. It’s no exaggeration to say that we really couldn’t do this without your help. To kick off the week, we have a great blog from a patient and supporter of ours. In it, she writes about how her life suddenly changed forever…

We’re very happy to have been chosen as Charity of the Year for 2015 and 2016 by Talbot, a city underwriting firm, who are not only making a generous donation but using the scheme to encourage their staff to make a positive difference through volunteering and taking on challenge events.

“We’re delighted to announce The National Brain Appeal as the Talbot Charity of the Year,” says Jane Clouting, head of governance. “The charity was nominated by Matthew Hillier and the commitment and charitable work that he and his family have shown towards this charity inspired votes from across our company. The donation will go towards the Small Acorns Fund.”

Does your company have a Charity of the Year scheme, offer payroll or matched giving or encourage staff to take part in fundraising events or volunteering days? If so, we need you! There are lots of ways that companies – large and small − can get involved in supporting our work as a charity and it’s a great way to engage and motivate staff.

Currently, we’re looking for any companies who may be interested in sponsoring our art exhibition, Letter In Mind, taking place at OXO gallery in October this year. If you think your company might be in a position to help, please do get in touch. In return, we can offer a range of tailored benefits from team building to positive PR, new audiences and a valuable philanthropic association.

* It’s Free Wills Month during March. The scheme offers those aged 55 and above the chance to have a simple Will written or updated free of charge, by using participating solicitors in selected locations across England. Demand is high − especially in London − but there are still appointments left this month. When making your Will, would you consider remembering The National Brain Appeal? Up to half of our annual donations come from legacies and they make a huge impact on how quickly we can help to fund projects and research here in Queen Square.

* The deadline for Bupa 10,000 is 10 April – we still have some places left in this hugely popular run, so get in touch today.

* One of our biggest fundraisers, Nicky Buckingham (below, with husband Quentin and friend Lois), is setting up her Easter bake sale outside the Molly Lane Fox Unit on 31 March. Come along and treat yourself to some of Nicky’s utterly delicious cakes, jams and chutneys.

For more events, personal stories and how you can get involved, please visit
www.nationalbrainappeal.org, or follow us @brainappeal and fb/TheNationalBrainAppeal

Theresa, Marcelle, Jess, Louise, Cara and Leigh