Welcome to “Brain or Shine”, where we give an insight into living with a brain injury.

We are Mark and Jules and, every day, we live with the side effects of brain injury. In 2012, Mark suffered a brain injury in a freak fall whilst on holiday. Although recovering physically, nothing prepared us for the mental side effects this injury would cause.

Where did the title Brain or Shine come from? Well, to us a brain injury can be like the wonderful English weather, one minute the sun is shining, the next, it’s raining. It’s so unpredictable and has the ability to change very quickly.

Don’t get me wrong, it’s not all doom and gloom. In fact, so many Brits love to complain about how bad the weather is, but they don’t focus on a blue sky on a cold, crisp morning, they complain about the low temperature instead. If you can focus on the beauty and positive bits, life becomes more joyous.

Brain or Shine is designed to help individuals, and their families, friends and work colleagues, understand how to live with the life changing effects of traumatic injuries and hidden disabilities.

Many of these effects still challenge me on a daily basis but, by having support and knowledge it has given me an insight on how to live life on my terms.

In 2022, Mark was also very proud to win the Alex Richardson, Achiever of the Year Award from the brain injury charity Headway. So, you know you’re in good hands and we're now here to help you shine following brain injury.