A brain injury survivor from Penarth has been shortlisted for a national award.

Digital artist David Sinden suffered a bleed on the brain's surface called sub-arachnoid haemorrhage in 2002 while on Brighton seafront.

The 58-year-old spent months in Sussex hospitals before undergoing surgery to restore his eyesight.

Mr Sinden said: "After my operation, I found I could not return to work in digital media arts.

"So, I moved back to Wales."

Despite his injuries affecting his executive functioning skills, Mr Sinden lives independently and is actively involved with Headway Cardiff & South East Wales, a support group for brain injury survivors.

Rebecca Peace, CEO of the organisation, nominated Mr Sinden for the national award from Headway, highlighting his positive impact on the community.

Ms Peace said: "We nominated David for a Headway Award for the warmth, caring, compassion, humour, and positivity he brings to our walking group, and for his work which so vividly captures the individuality and humanity of some of our members in his photographic portraits, and in so doing raises awareness of brain injury."

Mr Sinden is a prominent figure in the group, often the first to welcome new members and offer support to those struggling.

His photographic work, which tells the stories of group members, has been displayed at multiple exhibitions including in the National Assembly and Butetown History and Art Centre.

Mr Sinden said: "The Portraits of Brain Injury project began as my attempt to get my head around the extraordinary and life-changing experience I had been through, and as a tribute to all the other people I began to meet who had had similar experiences."

Mr Sinden's achievements have earned him a place as one of three finalists for the Achiever of the Year Award, sponsored by law firm Slater and Gordon.

Ms Peace said: "This nomination is, in many ways, a tribute to all the brain injury survivors at Headway Cardiff & South East Wales."

The awards will be presented by Headway — the brain injury association — at a ceremony on December 5 in Mayfair.