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David Tennant is the Patron of Headway Essex

Click here to see available autographed items from David Tennant

David Tennant, the star of ‘Dr Who’, is the Patron of Headway Essex, having worked closely with Headway Essex when researching for a character in a forthcoming television drama.

In 2007 David played the role of a brain injury survivor in a 90 minute BBC1 drama entitled “Recovery”, which has been written by Tony Marchant. He visited the day care centre of Headway Essex as a major part of his research for the programme, in which he played a building site manager who suffers a debilitating brain injury in a car crash. Sarah Parish, star of ‘Cutting It’, played the role of his wife – a beautician – who then becomes his carer.

Joanna Wright, Director of Fundraising at Headway Essex, said: “David spent a considerable time at our day centre and took part in group sessions with our attenders which looked at interpersonal skills and communication issues. These also explored the changes that the survivors of brain injury had experienced in their lives, including the huge impact the injury had on their relationships. I think that David was very touched by the honesty of our clients and he developed a great understanding of the change in dynamics which occur with individuals and their families after brain injury, along with an empathy for the challenges they face.”

David Tennant said: “When I came to play an accident victim in Tony Marchant’s TV play I had to confess that my knowledge and understanding of brain injuries and the devastating effect they can have on people’s lives was shamefully slight.

Getting to know some of the clients of Headway Essex was instructive, eye-opening and very moving. These are people coming to terms with lives that have changed beyond all recognition. Having to deal with something society often misunderstands, misinterprets and mistrusts.

As I understood more about the condition I understood how vital the work that Headway is doing can be. They give understanding, experience and community to people struggling to rebuild their lives.

Against all odds, the spirit and humour of the clients at Headway Essex was remarkable. Spending that time with them and experiencing at first hand the wonderful work the staff and charity are doing, I felt I wanted to be involved. I was delighted to accept the position of Patron of Headway Essex and look forward to helping out when and where I can.”

David Tennant Annual Review messages:

David Tennant Annual Review message 2009 - 2010

David Tennant Annual Review message 2008 - 2009

David Tennant Annual Review message 2007 - 2008

David Tennant Youtube links:

David Tennant talks about his role in the BBC Drama “Recovery” and how he became patron of Headway Essex.

A film showing clips outlining the film “Recovery”.