A fund for families of people with head injuries has been kick-started by a £20,000 grant from a litigation law firm.

The long-established Stewarts Law Foundation, a charity fund founded by the firm’s partners, donated the money to the Headway Emergency Fund earlier this month.

The scheme aims to help survivors, carers and family members cope with the practical implications when a loved one suffers a sudden head injury.

It has already been put into action, with Headway providing money for the family of one victim to stay overnight near the facility where their relative was being treated.

John Cahill, managing partner of Stewart’s Law, said: ‘The foundation recognises the immediate impact that brain injury can have on a family’s finances and the fund aims to alleviate some of that financial hardship at the point of need.’

Applicants can seek up to £500 for hotel and travel costs for an emergency situation associated with a head injury.

Andrew Green, chairman of Headway, whose son Chris was nine years old when he sustained a brain injury in a cycling accident, explained how vital the new service can be.

‘We had to dash to the hospital when Chris had his accident and didn’t have time to pack a bag or make any arrangements.

'We had no money, clothes or personal items with us.

‘I’m quite sure this type of fund would have helped immensely and allowed us to concentrate fully on supporting our son.’