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

Most read

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 2019 10k
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

Diet and Nutrition are incredibly important when it comes to recovery from a brain or spinal injury.
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

Have you suffered from a spinal cord injury and want to know a little bit more about the injury and how this could potentially affect your body and the rehabilitation you could receive? Find out how the Brain and Spinal Injury Centre can help?
3 Peaks Challenge

Join team BASIC at the 3 peaks challenge.
Trauma therapy

What is 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.
Contact Us

If you're in need of help after brain injury or want to get in touch with a member of our team you can get in touch with us online, call us or write to us.