A STUNTMAN has become an ambassador of a fundraising appeal at a hospital that treated him for a spinal injury suffered in an on-set accident.
Former actor David Holmes spent time at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital (RNOH), a specialist neuro-musculoskeletal hospital in Brockley Hill, Stanmore, following a fall during rehearsals for a flying scene out of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows at Warner Bros Studios Leavesden in Hertfordshire in 2009.
Mr Holmes was lead character Daniel Radcliffe’s stunt double in the Harry Potter movie franchise up until the accident, and is unlikely to walk again.
Mr Holmes, of Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, who uses a wheelchair, said: “I spent time rehabilitating at the RNOH after my accident and the hospital’s sheer dedication got me through that difficult time.
“I had a hugely supportive medical team around me from the moment I arrived and was given fantastic support.”
The appeal aims to raise £15m to equip and add family accommodation to the hospital when it is finally rebuilt at a cost of £250m.
Planning permission for the project was granted by Harrow Council’s planning committee last month.
Mr Holmes added: “I am also thrilled that the RNOH’s planning application has been approved. This will ensure that the hospital continues to provide such high standards of care to those who need it.”
Rosie Stolarski, RNOH Charity’s head of fundraising, said: “Redeveloping our facilities is vital if we are to continue to improve the way we treat patients and accommodate visitors.
“We are incredibly grateful for David’s support and delighted that the redevelopment has been approved.”
The charity appeal also counts former patient Princess Eugenie as its patron.
