A SUPPORT group that sets people on the path to recovery following head injuries celebrates its 25th anniversary this week.

The Swindon and District branch of Headway, based at Victoria Hospital, provides a lifeline to Swindonians after they leave hospital.

But according to group co-ordinator Lisa Hayes many are still unaware of its existence.

Often the centre is the only source of help for patients struggling to get back on their feet.

"Unfortunately a lot of people do not know much about what we do," she said.

"We seek to improve the quality of life for our patients through a variety of strategies.

"We also work with employers to help them get back into work following the injury."

The centre relies heavily on donations from the public.

On Wednesday, Geoff Sanders, who is chairman of the Swindon branch of the Royal Engineers Association, presented Mrs Hayes with a £50 cheque.

Mr Sanders, who served in the first Gulf War, said he wanted to thank those staff who nursed his son Steven, 23, back to health, following a life-threatening injury last July. He added: "The cheque is not for a lot of money but every bit helps.

"The association and I wanted to do something to help the centre.

"Steven received a very high standard of care. The staff carried out a number of memory tests on him.

"They got the balance right. They did not pressure him but the tests were challenging."