Tom – Head for Change Community Hero
When I first heard about Head for Change I immediately thought this is something I want to be involved with. I love rugby, but having suffered a life changing brain injury as the result of a rugby tackle aged 16, I believe there is a need for change in the sport.
Tackling the NDD crisis in football – what are the possible solutions?
As a final year law student, I had come to encounter much legal theory throughout my degree studies. Yet, I came to challenge Aristotle’s view that “the law is reason, free from passion”…
Fin Macfie
When I first heard Alix Popham speak about Head for Change, it really struck a chord with me. It became clear just how important brain health is, especially in sports.
Duncan Hendry
Gareth Rees
Sport has always been central to my life. I played a vast number of sports at school and college but actually gained representative honours in five at county level or above, with rugby and swimming being my main focus. After training as a teacher, I spent 37 fulfilling years working in London, Cheltenham, and Witney, specialising in PE and outdoor education.
Gareth Ffowcs Williams
Sport, especially rugby, cricket, and cycling, has been a constant in my life. The part rugby has played in my life is not to be underestimated. It didn’t just keep me fit physically, but mentally helped me learn so many lessons about winning and losing, overcoming setbacks, and how it felt to be rewarded, or not, for your efforts.
Dai Mathias
I am an ex rugby player who is now a keen cyclist and sports fan. I met Alix on a charity cycle ride from North to South Wales back in 2016. Like everyone else, I was shocked to hear of his diagnosis and also to hear of how many others were affected.
Rich Emmett
Rugby has always been present in my life. Growing up as a proud Welshman, it formed part of my local and national identity. I’ve experienced and witnessed many bumps to the head, but the awareness of the potential long-term effects of these just wasn’t there at the time.
Daniel Killick
I’ve always been a rugby and football fanatic. I grew up playing for Cowbridge RFC, represented Wales Schools of Excellence in football, and when I moved to London I found a new home at London Welsh. I’m also a proud Wales supporter. Sport has always been a major part of my life — and these days you’ll most often find me on a bike or coaching girls’ football as an FA‑qualified coach.
David ‘Jacko’ Jackson
Most people know me as ‘Jacko’!
I’m a former professional rugby player, now Master Oxygen Advantage coach, mentor and author of ‘Breathe Smarter, Run Stronger’ having retrained as a Strength & Conditioning coach after a traumatic brain injury, seizure on the training field and small bleed on the brain in 2013 forced me to retire from professional rugby.
Rahul Dass
When I was asked to be a Community Hero for Head for Change there was no hesitation or doubt in my mind.
Having heard the news about Alix my thoughts went straight back to the first time I met him at secondary school in Bassaleg. I remember training on the rugby pitches at Bassaleg and playing alongside him in the school rugby team.
Education
Check out our new education programme
Our BrainSafe course is designed to teach children and their parents, teachers and coaches how to stay active while protecting their brain health.
FOR YOUNGER SPORT PLAYERS
FOR ATHLETES & SPORT EXPERTS
FOR TEACHERS & ADULTS
FOR Younger sport players
BrainSafe: Introduction
This introductory online course is not sport specific and is inclusive to all.
Bernie – BrainSafe Champion
I have been actively involved in the game of rugby for over 54 years and...