Andrew Flintoff praises ‘superhero’ NHS staff following serious Top Gear crash
Andrew Flintoff has expressed profound gratitude for the “love and compassion” shown by NHS staff who provided care following his severe car crash on the Top Gear test track.
The incident, which occurred in December 2022 at Dunsfold Aerodrome in Surrey, left the former international cricketer with severe injuries, an experience he described as “the lowest I’ve ever been”.
Airlifted to St George’s Hospital in Tooting, a major trauma centre, Flintoff’s case was deemed “one of the most complex” his surgeon had ever encountered.
Now coaching the England Lions and Northern Superchargers Men’s teams, Flintoff recently visited the hospital workers who looked after him, reiterating his appreciation for their care.
“I just want to say a massive thank you to all the staff at St George’s,” the former England Cricket international said.
“I came here probably the lowest I’ve ever been, in need of help and the expertise, the love, the compassion they showed me was incredible.
“I’ll be eternally grateful – absolute superheroes.”
Recalling the incident, consultant oral and maxillofacial surgeon Jahrad Haq, said: “I was on call that day and received a phone call from the emergency department consultant.
“A lot of injuries are managed at a more junior level before escalating, so I knew this one was serious.
“Of all the trauma cases I’ve seen in over 20 years, this was among the most complex.”
Shamim Umarji, consultant trauma and orthopaedic surgeon, said: “It’s very rewarding when patients come back and you get to see them not just as patients, but as people. It’s a real privilege.
“When you see their recovery, you remember how important our job is.
“It was wonderful to see Freddie again and his visit gave staff a real boost. He spent a lot of time chatting to everyone and it meant a lot.”
Kate Slemeck, managing director for St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “I’m incredibly proud of the care we provide at St George’s.
“It’s always heart-warming to hear from patients about the expert care, compassion and kindness they’ve received from our clinical and support teams, and this shows the lasting impact they have on people, long after they’ve left hospital.”
During a documentary about the accident, Flintoff described how he used the split-second decision-making from his cricketing days to try to reduce the impact of the crash.
He said he was “pulled face-down on the runway” for about 50 metres under the car.
The former England star said he thought he had died in the accident.
For months after the crash Flintoff disappeared from public view and would leave his house only for medical appointments
His recovery has been documented in a documentary, Flintoff, streamed on Disney+.
