Our history

Our History

When Bolton Businessman Derek Gaskell brought his wife, Dorothy, home after life-saving brain surgery at Hope Hospital [now Salford Royal] she was unable to do anything for herself. She could not walk or talk and suffered deep depression. After many years she made a good recovery but the because of this unexpected and traumatic experience, Derek was inspired to establish a registered charity Neurological Research in 1986.

BASIC

The appointment of the charity's first employee saw its re-launch as BASIC (Brain and Spinal Injury Charity) in 1994. BASIC is now affiliated to the Greater Manchester Clinical Neuroscience Centre, one of the largest in the country.

Since it's inception in 1994, BASIC has provided counselling, information and support services for patients and their families following a brain or spinal injury.

BASIC has come so far from the creation of the UK's first National Helpline for people following brain surgery, in 1996 to the Ground Breaking Virtual Reality Rehabilitation project in 2015.

Latest

Do you need support over the festive period?

The festive season can be a difficult time for some, and if you do need support, you can find contact details of other organisations who are available for this.
3MDR
Charity of the Year 2018

Winners of North West Charity of the Year.
3MDR coming to BASIC for treatment resistant PTSD

Stroke

A stroke is a serious life-threatening medical condition that occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off.
Great Manchester Run

Join team BASIC at this year's Great Manchester Run
Virtual Reality Rehabilitation

Virtual reality rehabilitation enables patients with a disability to practice real-life situations in a safe and controlled environment, leading to improved physical stamina, better cognitive skills, dual tasking and improved confidence.
Brain tumor

A brain tumour is a growth of cells in the brain that multiplies in an abnormal, uncontrollable way.
Diet and nutrition

A healthy diet during the recovery of brain injury is important and highly beneficial. Research has shown that deficiencies in nutrients can disrupt normal brain function. When someone sustains a brain injury, it is necessary to eat enough to help the brain function efficient.
Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a condition that affects the brain. When someone has epilepsy it means they have a tendency to have seizures. Epilepsy can start at any stage and there are many different types. Some types of epilepsy last for a limited time and others can be a life-long condition.
Spinal injury

The spinal cord is an extension of the brain and is made up of a thick bundle of nerves. These nerves carry messages from our brain to the rest of our body. These messages help our body move, feel pressure and control vital functions like breathing. When the spinal cord is damaged, communication between our brain and the rest of the body is disrupted.
Trauma therapy

EMDR is a powerful psychological treatment that enables people to heal from the symptoms of emotional distress that are the result of disturbing life experiences.
3 Peaks Challenge

Join team BASIC at the 3 peaks challenge.
Great North Run Charity Places

Join team BASIC at this year's Great North Run, one of the world's biggest half-marathons.