Andrew Flintoff has expressed his gratitude for the “love and care” of the NHS medical workers who treated him after his car crash on the Top Gear test track.
The former international cricketer and current England Lions and Northern Superchargers coach visited the hospital staff who looked after him following the incident, which he described as “the hardest time of my life”.
In December 2022, Flintoff suffered serious injuries while filming an episode of BBC's Top Gear at Dunsfold Airfield in Surrey.
His surgeon described Flintoff's case as one of the most difficult he had ever encountered.
Flintoff was airlifted to St George's Hospital in Tooting, a major trauma centre.
“I just want to express my deepest gratitude to all the staff at St George's,” Flintoff said.
“I came here in probably the worst condition I've ever been in, needing help, and the expertise, love and compassion they showed me was incredible.
“I will be forever grateful – these are real superheroes.”
Recalling the incident, consultant maxillofacial surgeon Jahrad Haq said: “I was on duty that day and I received a call from an emergency department consultant.
“A lot of injuries are treated at an earlier stage before they progress to a more serious stage, so I knew this injury was serious.
“Of all the injuries I've seen in 20 years, this was one of the most difficult.”
Shamim Umarji, a consultant in trauma and orthopaedics, added: “It's really rewarding when patients come back and you see them as people, not just patients. It's a real privilege.”
“When you watch them recover, you realize how important our work is.
“It was wonderful to see Freddie again and his visit was a real inspiration to the staff. He spent a lot of time talking to everyone and that meant a lot to us.”
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
