Warwick – Player Support Programme Project Lead
Warwick has gained experience with brain injury primarily through his son, who retired from professional rugby at age 25 as a result of multiple concussions.
Warwick has been a buddy for several impacted ex-players.
Head for Change position
CEO (previously Trustee)
Sporting background
Brain injury experience
Warwick’s experience of brain injury comes primarily through his son, who retired from professional rugby at the age of 25 following multiple concussions.
Warwick also experienced multiple concussions during his 15-year amateur rugby career and continues to experience some minor long-term symptoms, although he has not received a formal diagnosis.
Relevant qualifications
Level 1 rugby coach.
Player Support Programme role
Mel – Trustee & Player Support Programme Buddy
Mel is a founding Trustee of Head for Change and wife of former Welsh rugby international Alix Popham, who was diagnosed with early-onset dementia and probable CTE in 2020.
Mel is passionate about supporting others facing similar challenges.
Head for Change position
Founding Trustee
Sporting background
A lifelong rugby supporter, Mel has been closely involved in the sport through her husband Alix, who represented Wales internationally and won the Grand Slam in 2008.
Brain injury experience
Mel has personal experience of supporting her husband following his diagnosis of early-onset dementia and probable CTE.
She understands the emotional impact of a diagnosis on partners and families, including the uncertainty, fear and challenges that come with adapting to an unexpected future.
Relevant qualifications
Has acted as a Buddy to other wives of former players diagnosed with neurodegenerative conditions.
Player Support Programme role
Kath – Player Support Programme Buddy
Kath is a lifelong netball player and keen cyclist and skier who has experienced two concussions, in 2016 and 2021.
Her second concussion forced her to take almost a year away from full-time work and sport.
Head for Change position
Volunteer
Sporting background
Lifelong netball player, keen cyclist and skier. Also enjoys yoga.
Brain injury experience
Experienced two concussions in 2016 and 2021. The second caused significant, long-lasting symptoms, including migraines triggered by an increased heart rate. She was unable to work full-time or participate in sport for almost a year.
She has since returned to skiing, cycling and yoga, alongside working full-time and raising a family.
Relevant qualifications
Degree and postgraduate certificate (PGCert) in Psychology.
Completed Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training and previously served as a Mental Health First Aider at LV=.
Player Support Programme role
Alaina – Player Support Programme Project Advisor
Alaina is a GP and competitive amateur athlete with personal experience of significant head trauma and brain injury.
As a GP, Alaina has provided initial diagnosis and signposting for multiple medical conditions, including brain injury.
Head for Change position
Volunteer
Sporting background
Amateur sports player across several sports, and competitive long-distance cyclist.
Brain injury experience
Alaina has lived experience of brain injury following a serious cycling accident that resulted in significant head trauma and several years of recovery. Continues to experience some minor long-term symptoms, although no formal diagnosis has been made.
Relevant qualifications
Medical Doctor (GP).
Player Support Programme role
Nick – Player Support Programme Buddy
Nick is a clinical psychologist working in an NHS neuropsychology service in Scotland, supporting people affected by brain injuries.
A former rugby union and league player, Nick also has personal experience of head injury and brings both professional and lived experience to his role as a Buddy.
Head for Change position
Volunteer
Sporting background
Played youth rugby union for Cambridge and at county level (U20s).
Also played rugby league, captaining Northumbria University, Gateshead Thunder U21s and North East England Students.
Now enjoys running, rock climbing, kayaking and open-water swimming.
Brain injury experience
Has worked in an acute NHS neuropsychology service for five years, providing therapy, rehabilitation and cognitive assessments for people with acquired and traumatic brain injuries.
Previously worked in a specialist residential neurorehabilitation centre supporting people with severe brain injuries.
Also experienced a traumatic head injury in a road traffic accident during childhood.
Relevant qualifications
HCPC-registered Clinical Psychologist.
Currently working towards qualification as a Clinical Neuropsychologist, with planned completion in 2027.
Player Support Programme role
Could this be you? Become a Buddy!
Have you experienced a sports-related brain injury, or supported a loved one through one?
We’re looking for people willing to share their experiences and offer a listening ear to former players and families facing similar challenges.
What we’re looking for
-
Personal experience of brain injury or supporting someone affected by one.
-
A compassionate, non-judgemental approach.
-
A willingness to listen and support others.
-
The ability to respect confidentiality and personal boundaries.
-
Willingness to undergo a DBS check (provided by Head for Change).
Interested in becoming a Buddy?
We’d love to hear from you. Email [email protected] to find out more.
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.
Q&A with Ross Kirtland: The Big Walk & Talk
What drew you to rugby and how did it impact your life both on and off the...