A student from Lancaster University Management School is publishing his second book this week, detailing real life accounts of the battles facing survivors of brain injuries.

21-year-old Nathan Shoesmith, a third-year student at Lancaster, launches his new book to coincide with ‘Action for Brain Injury week’ (16 May - 22 May 2022), in the hope of raising awareness of brain injuries as a hidden disability - while giving survivors a voice they may not have otherwise had.

Brain injuries - and their impacts - are often misunderstood and can be invisible to the naked eye; something Nathan understands well having sustained a brain injury himself back in 2020. With a personal connection to subject, Nathan uses his second book to shine a light on some of the ways in which those that sustain brain injuries can be impacted and focuses on 15 individual stories - sharing how their injuries happened, their effects and what has happened to their lives since. 'Brain Injuries: Our Hidden Journeys', also recognises the important and often challenging roles performed by carers and support organisations.

Nathan said: "Brain injuries are often misunderstood so it is incredibly important to raise awareness about their impacts, especially because these are often hidden. Life with brain injury can be difficult and painful, though the stories captured in the book also showcase journeys of massive strength, courage and hope.

“By raising public understanding, together we can make a hugely positive impact to the lives of brain injury survivors."

Independently compiled with the support of local organisations and community groups in the North West of England, the charitable book is exclusively available to purchase at ourhiddenjourneys.co.uk, with all revenues going to important causes that offer vital support to brain injury survivors present and future.

Professor Niall Hayes, Head of the Department of Organisation and Technology, said: "Nathan is an exceptional student. He has made a significant contribution to my department and our programmes through his work as a student rep. He has had an outstanding year on placement with Lancashire Enterprise Partnership, continued to act as Managing Director for the Speaker, and as if all that was not enough, he has managed to author two books. The most recent of which will be published shortly. We are so proud of Nathan and to be able to call him one of our students."