Stay updated with breaking news from Head For Change. Get real-time updates on events, politics, business, and more. Visit us for reliable news and exclusive interviews.
Alix Popham traveled the world as a rugby player. He played 33 times for Wales and competed at two Rugby World Cups, and even got to meet Nelson Mandela
Alix Popham traveled the world as a rugby player. Popham is 43 and his rugby career is, in his words, “all a blur.” Popham has been diagnosed with early onset dementia and is one of a growing number of rugby players in their 30s and 40s — all of whom have brain disorders such as motor neuron disease and epilepsy — to have launched a lawsuit against governing bodies of the sport he still loves.
Alix Popham traveled the world as a rugby player. He played 33 times for Wales and competed at two Rugby World Cups, and even got to meet Nelson Mandela before a match in South Africa. Or so he’s told. He can’t actually remember. Popham is 43 and his rugby career is, in his words, “all…
They said: “Whilst we’ve found it hard to come to terms with the changes in Dad, he has no regrets about his career and has lived life to the full.” They also revealed that he wanted today’s footballers to know there may be risks. “Dad scored some important goals in his career and memorable headers. But he used to stay back in training, heading the ball to the goalkeeper for practice, over and over. “He does wonder if this has been a factor in his dementia as his symptoms appeared in his mid-60s.” They added that the past year had been tough: “Social interaction is key for so...
Nobby Stiles died last October after being stricken with Alzheimer's disease His family have revealed they donated his brain for a specialist autopsy at GBIRG Glasgow Brain Injury Research Group are currently researching brain injuries They are investigating the link between traumatic brain injury (TBI) and impact-related dementia chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) Dr Judith Gates, wife of dementia-stricken Middlesbrough defender Bill - are now urging other ex-players with dementia to sign up for brain donation