08/08/2026
Please join us in saying a HUGE thank you and well done to the wonderful Damian!
Damian completed an incredible 100-mile walk of Wymondham for Headway Nottingham throughout July, raising £220!
Damian sustained his first brain injury in 1973 at four years old. Although he continues to live with the effects of brain injury, Damian is determined to do all he can to support charities and make a difference to the lives of those who need help. What a brilliant man.
https://www.justgiving.com/page/damian-fizia-2
Here's Damian's story. Please be aware that the following story contains details of accidents causing brain injuries and medical details:
At just four years old, Damian survived a devastating car accident in the Scottish Highlands. Travelling with his mother, brother and sister in 1973, he was thrown from the vehicle when it left the road in high winds and struck a tree. There were no rear seat belts or child seats at the time. Thrown through a rotten gate and into a hedge, Damian stopped breathing. Fortunately, his father, who had followed the car as he'd left something he needed for work in the boot, found him and helped save his life.
Damian was taken by ambulance, under police es**rt, to Inverness Hospital, almost 70 miles away. Doctors discovered a fractured skull and significant damage to the right side of his brain. He spent four weeks in a coma and then faced the challenge of learning to walk and talk again.
Despite these early setbacks, Damian attended mainstream schools, played rugby, football, cricket and cross-country running, and completed long-distance charity walks. His determination earned him the Headmaster's Cup for effort and perseverance for two consecutive years.
After gaining qualifications at school and college, Damian began work as a Clerical Assistant. However, difficulties with short-term memory, an ongoing consequence of his brain injury, led to the job ending after two years. He later worked for Halfords in Norwich, where his abilities were recognised beyond his disability. When his manager moved to Nottingham, he offered Damian a position there, leading to a move in 1992. Damian remained with Halfords until 1998, marrying his first wife in 1997.
A second life-changing event occurred in November 1998. While cycling to work before dawn, Damian was struck by a lorry. Alongside serious internal injuries and a broken hand, he suffered another severe brain injury. Although initially conscious, his condition deteriorated rapidly.
After months of hospital treatment and rehabilitation, he returned home in early 1999 and began intensive physiotherapy and support through Headway Nottingham. During this difficult period, his first marriage broke down, and he spent three months living in a homeless hostel. Despite the challenges, he continued attending therapy and rebuilding his life.
In 2004, Damian met his second wife, Allison, through a text message sent to the wrong number. What began as an accidental conversation developed into a lasting relationship. Allison moved to Nottingham with her daughter, and the couple married in 2005. They later relocated to Norfolk to be closer to family, where they continue to build their life together.
Over the years, Damian remained active in his community through voluntary work with local charities and disability organisations. However, ongoing symptoms from his brain injuries, including dizziness, headaches, nausea and worsening memory problems, eventually limited what he could do.
Rather than allowing those challenges to define him, Damian turned his focus to fundraising and inspiring others. Recently, he completed the Race for Life 10K, raising more than £680 for Cancer Research UK. He continues to take part in sponsored walking challenges, including long-distance walks supporting Headway Nottingham and other charities.
Today, Damian sees his story as one of survival, resilience and determination. Although he still lives with the effects of his injuries, he remains committed to helping others and proving that life's challenges need not define a person's future. As he often demonstrates through his actions, there is always another goal to aim for and another chapter still to be written.
