We’ve said a fond farewell to one of Cerebra’s longest serving members of staff – Anthea Wright who retired last month after fifteen years at Cerebra.

Anthea is a much loved colleague who has made a great contribution to much of our work to support families who have a child with a brain condition. Caring, kind and determined, with a wicked sense of fun and adventure, she will be greatly missed.

Before she left, we caught up with Anthea to ask her a few questions about her time with us and her plans for the future.

So when did it all begin?

“I started with Cerebra back in 2005 when we were a very small team – there are only a couple of people left who have been here longer than me. The charity’s grown enormously since then and it’s been exciting to see the changes over the years.

I’ve been involved with so much from giving advice to families through our helpline, writing information sheets and booklets, tutoring for courses, and identifying areas that needed further research. It was very rewarding to see this early work develop into our Academic Chairs today.

It’s been a very rewarding career”.

What have you enjoyed the most?

“It has to be the direct contact I’ve had with families. Just being able to take the worry away from parents’ minds, give them hope and the information they needed to build a positive future for their children.

I have ‘been there’ for many families from the early years through to teenagers, guiding them to local help in education, finance, medical advice and recreation etc., at various stages of their development, and I will miss hearing about their progress.

I’ve also really enjoyed being a test pilot for some Innovation Centre designs, most memorably test driving the Cerebra sledge on an artificial slope – great fun!

I’ll also never forget our Children’s Awards ceremonies and our events at the House of Lords in London.

In amongst the dedicated work, we’ve had lots of fun too and I’ve been fortunate to have so many lovely colleagues to support me, and from whom I have learnt much about other areas of Cerebra’s work.”

So what’s next?

“As you know, I have a great love of travelling having spent time in Japan, and south America – climbing to Machu Pichu with my daughter. Last year I achieved my dream of going on safari in Kenya which was wonderful. I’d like to do some more travelling and maybe go back to go back to Brazil where I once lived on a houseboat on the Amazon.

I’m also continuing my PhD studies, so that I may still be useful for something, and hope to complete my flying lessons. Oh yes, and I haven’t done the bungee jump yet!”

We all wish you an action packed, exciting retirement Anthea and look forward to hearing about all of your adventures. Thank you for your years of service and the passion with which you have worked for families who need our support. You have certainly made a difference to the lives of many.