A COUPLE have received a Princess Royal Award for their work supporting a brain injury rehabilitation centre.

David and Tina Dixon, from Great Bricett, near Needham Market, won the award for their work with the Icanho centre based in Stowmarket.

Their association with the centre, run by the Livability charity, began when Mr Dixon received treatment there after he sustained a brain injury.

Mr Dixon said: “We are delighted to have received this supporter award and we would like to thank everyone who nominated us.”

Tina worked to start a carers’ questionnaire which won praise for providing significant insight into their roles.

She said: “It is really rewarding to be able to help support a service like Icanho, which tirelessly provides people who suffer brain injuries with excellent, tailored care and support.”

The couple have spoken at local and national events about their personal journey dealing with Mr Dixon’s rehabilitation.

Mr Dixon helps the staff to run reception and participates in speech and language sessions.

Tina has been caring at the centre for the past three years and also helps with the gardening.

The whole family, including son Ben, who collected the award on his parents’ behalf, has run marathons which have raised considerable funds for Icanho.

The Princess Royal Awards were originally created by national disability charity Livability to recognise the contribution of its staff. The Princess Royal is Livability’s patron and presented the awards at a ceremony in London’s Grocers’ Hall.

Every year the charity invites nominations from its managers and staff across the whole organisation. This year the awards’ remit was broadened to include its supporters and volunteers and had 53 nominations.

For more information on Livability, visit www.livability.org.uk