Who we are

Head for Change is a charity pioneering positive change to prioritise brain health in sport. We want to create a world where sport is as good for your brain as it is for your body.

We provide care and support to those living with neurodegenerative diseases caused by their sporting careers, raise public awareness about the risks of head injuries in sport, and support independent research to make sport safer.

We love football and rugby. We want to protect the players and protect the games.

Our Trustees

Our Ambassadors

Our Community Heroes

Our Trustees and Founders

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Alix Popham

Alix is a retired international rugby player. He won 33 caps for Wales, Alix played in two World Cups in 2003 and 2007. In 2008 he was a Grand Slam winner. Alix retired from professional rugby in 2011.

In April 2020 he was diagnosed with probable CTE and early onset dementia as a result of traumatic brain injury developed in his rugby career.

Favourite sporting moment?

“Winning my first cap against Australia in 2003.”

Sporting hero?

“This is a tricky one. Scott Quinnell because we played in the same position and he was a world class player for both Wales and The British Lions.”

What would you tell your younger self?

“I would tell myself that after a traumatic brain injury / concussion to come off the field in both training and games.”

Melanie Bramwell-Popham

Melanie Bramwell-Popham is co-founder of a recruitment consultancy based in London. Her most important job is being Mum to Darcey and Step-Mum to Holly and Isobel, and wife to Alix who has been a friend since childhood.

Mel is a founding Trustee of Head for Change and is committed to being part of the solution to protect the players and protect the game she loves.

Favourite sporting moment?

“When Wales beat England and won the grand slam in 2012. We were massive underdogs and I was at the match with all my English girlfriends.”

Sporting hero?

“Michael Jordan, Andre Agassi and, of course, Alix.”

What would you tell your younger self?

“What my Dad always told me: To the limit and beyond!”

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Dr Sally Tucker

Dr Sally Tucker is an NHS surgeon with a special interest in medical ethics and law. Her father is a former professional footballer diagnosed with dementia, likely related to repetitive head injury sustained during his playing career.

As a Trustee, Sally passionately seeks to create a supportive space for former sports players suffering from neurodegenerative disease and to promote positive developments in sport which make player health the priority.

Favourite sporting moment?

“Watching England women win the Euros at Wembley in 2022.”

Sporting hero?

“My Dad – obviously.”

What would you tell your younger self?

“Cherish those times with your family extra hard as you don’t know how long you have them for.”

Warwick Clews

Warwick has been a Management Consultant for more than 30 years. Away from the office he was a keen amateur rugby player and coach. His son, Theo Brophy Clews, represented England rugby at U18 and U20 level and played over 50 times for London Irish.

Theo had to stop playing at the age of 24 as a result of multiple concussions. As a Trustee, Warwick is determined to support those impacted by brain injuries and make positive changes in contact sports so they can be safer at all levels and can flourish in the future.

Favourite sporting moment?

“Watching my son’s England U18 debut and Jonny’s world cup winning drop goal.”

Sporting hero?

“Christian Cullen – the most exciting rugby player I’ve ever watched.”

What would you tell your younger self?

“Enjoy playing sport with your mates at whatever level you can – you never know when it could stop.”

Keith Beech

Keith is a former BBC journalist and now a Communications Consultant. His passion for sport began at an early age and has never left him. Keith is a former sports reporter and an ex–player and coach at his local rugby club.

Having coached and supported hundreds of youngsters into community rugby, he’s a huge believer in the benefits of playing team sports.

As a Trustee, Keith aims to encourage evidence-based conversations about the safety of sport, promoting a players-first approach to the games that we love to play and helping Head for Change to be part of the solution.

Favourite sporting moment?

“My last game of rugby as a player was one Boxing Day at Alcester RFC when I got to play alongside my son Adam for the first time. The rugby was rubbish, but the occasion was one to remember.“