Four years ago, Charlie's husband suffered a near-fatal brain injury as he cycled to work. Now her efforts to help him recover could win her an award

Charlie Korving, who lives in Poole, will be recognised at an annual awards ceremony organised by charity Headway as one of just three people from across the UK in the running for the title of Carer of the Year.

Jake, Charlie's husband of two years, was knocked off his bike as he cycled to work by a driver in October 2011, leaving the senior radiographer in a coma with a near-fatal injury to his brain.

The long-term effects of the crash included severe short- and long-term memory problems, which caused Jake to forget Charlie's name, the couple's relationship, pet cat and, sadly, their wedding day in New York.

After the accident, Jake was rushed to St George's Hospital, in London, where he remained in a coma for two weeks as his life hung in the balance. Charlie never left his side, though Jake remained in a minimally consciousness state for so long that his family was asked to consider turning off his life-support machine.

A series of infections and complications followed by a further brain clot diagnosis meant he required further emergency brain surgery.

Charlie was warned that, should Jake regain consciousness, he may never be able to walk or communicate with her again and would likely require long-term residential care.

Before the accident Jake, who has a first class degree in radiography, had been an employee at St George's Hospital. He was transferred to Poole Hospital for neurological rehabilitation, and Charlie moved to Poole to be with him.

Charlie immediately gave up her job to care for her husband, helping Jake relearn how to walk, talk and eat independently.

Jake's brain injury also caused epilepsy, difficulties processing information and behavioural changes meaning that, even today, he requires ongoing support and can become distressed very easily.

When he was finally well enough to return home, Charlie continued to care for Jake.

As part of his rehabilitation, Charlie also arranged for Jake to volunteer at Headway Dorset and a cat sanctuary.

She was able to return part-time to her job as a commercial writer and often works from home so she can continue to help make decisions and plan his daily routine.

Last August, the couple celebrated their five-year wedding anniversary by renewing their vows at Central Park, in New York, where they were married six years ago.

"I am so proud of how far we have come since the accident," Charlie said.

"It was very frightening when Jake was unconscious in hospital, particularly as we had just taken out a mortgage and, as neither of us could work, paying the bills became a serious issue.

"I called his bank to sort out the finances and explain he was in a coma – they asked to speak with the account holder!

"Life can be very difficult at times and I often have to take a step back and remember that, in the context of recovering from a brain injury, my gladiator husband is doing an amazing job."

Charlie writes a blog about the couple's experiences dealing with Jake's brain injury, which can be found at hopegoesupanddown.blogspot.co.uk/