A DEVOTED pensioner who has cared for her son for more than 40 years after he sustained a traumatic brain injury has been shortlisted for a national award.

Trish Campini, 81, is one of three people - from across the UK - in the running for the title of Carer of the Year.

Trish, of Rhyl, will be recognised at an annual awards ceremony organised by Headway, the brain injury association.

When Stephen, 63, was knocked over by a campervan in 1978, he was left with long-term health problems including issues with speech, balance problems and a short term memory.

Trish and her husband dedicated their lives to supporting Stephen through his prolonged disability and attended 19 separate operations and endured countless trips to the hospital with their son.

Trish was dealt a further blow in 2008 after her husband was diagnosed with cancer.

She became a carer for him and nursed him until he lost his battle in 2011.

She said: “There have been many times in my life where things have been very tough and you think, how can I keep going? but you find a way. I am a very strong willed person.

“But it`s more than that, it`s simply that I love my family and will support them through everything. It’s just who I am.”

Three weeks after Peter's funeral, Trish was taken into hospital for a triple by-pass operation.

Within days of returning home, she again showed her devotion to her family and resumed looking after her son.

She has since gained support from Headway Conwy and Denbighshire.

She added: “Attending Headway has been such a help too, it is nice to be around people who truly understand what you are going through. Even though everyone has different brain injuries, lots of carers feel the same things, face the same difficulties and we are there for each other. It is a lovely atmosphere.”

Trish was nominated by Rosemary Holland, chair of Headway Conwy and Denbighshire.

She said: “Trish`s dedication to care for her family is inspirational. It is fair to say that she is invaluable to our group because she does so much for everyone. She has such a wonderful caring nature and is well loved by everyone.”

“It`s not only that she helps to organise day trips and other events within the branch, but it is also her kind words with people and the way she offers her time and support.”

Headway Annual Awards celebrates the exceptional efforts of survivors of brain injury and their carers.

Trish will discover if she is be named Carer of the Year at a ceremony at The Dorchester Hotel in London in early December.