ITV Calendar Filming and Visit
In advance of their amazing 160-mile Yorkshire Wolds Way running challenge, P.A.U.L For Brain Recovery founder and CEO Paul Spence and long-time supporter Lee Thompson were invited onto Calendar, ITV’s regional news programme, to discuss their latest fund-raising adventure. This also represented a fantastic opportunity to raise awareness of the work of the charity and its future plans.
Paul and Lee described what lay in store for them on the challenge – a gruelling run from the Humber Bridge to Filey and back, continuing through the night to complete this mammoth course between 27 and 29 June.
The pair exceeded their original fundraising target of £6,500 raising an amazing £10,000, all of which will help P.A.U.L For Brain Recovery to continue delivering vital community support sessions that are designed to help the charity’s service users take positive steps towards reaching their new potential after acquired brain injury (ABI).
As well as giving Calendar viewers an insight into his own brain injury and the journey behind the formation of the charity, Paul was also able to share the exciting news about the expansion of P.A.U.L For Brain Recovery services into North and North East Lincolnshire.
In summer 2025, weekly social sessions will be held at two new pop-up sites in Grimsby and Brigg. These sessions will aim to foster a welcoming community space where individuals can connect with their peers, share their experiences, and find support on their journey towards recovery and a fulfilling life after ABI.
The Calendar team also visited the P.A.U.L For Brain Recovery centre in Hull to undertake some filming and see for themselves what services the charity offers.
This was an amazing opportunity for the charity to raise awareness of their vital work with people and families affected by ABI, and showcase the positive effects of the charity’s community support offering.
As part of the piece, Calendar also interviewed Beth Johnson, an inspirational member of the P.A.U.L For Brain Recovery Heroes group, about her brain injury, the process of recovery that she went through, and how the charity supported her along the way. Beth also expressed her excitement about the charity’s forthcoming expansion into North and North East Lincolnshire.
Overall, being featured so prominently on Calendar was a fantastic experience, both for Paul and Lee in the Leeds studio and filming at our centre in Hull.
Everyone at P.A.U.L For Brain Recovery would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the ITV Calendar team for their help in raising awareness both of Paul and Lee’s epic challenge, the charity’s expansion plans and the vital work that the charity undertakes.
