**Andrew Flintoff Expresses Deep Gratitude to NHS After Life-Altering Top Gear Crash**
The former England cricket captain, Andrew ‘Freddie’ Flintoff, has publicly praised NHS workers for their unwavering compassion and expertise following the severe car accident he suffered while filming for BBC’s Top Gear. Flintoff, who visited the St George’s Hospital staff who cared for him during his ordeal, described this period as “the lowest I’ve ever been”—a time when he says the care he received made all the difference.
The dramatic incident occurred in December 2022 at Dunsfold Aerodrome in Surrey—a location well-known as the Top Gear test track. Flintoff’s injuries from the crash were grave enough to warrant an emergency airlift to St George’s Hospital in Tooting, which serves as a major trauma centre for the region. Speaking during his visit, Flintoff expressed his profound gratitude: “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.”
Medical professionals at St George’s treated Flintoff for what was considered an unusually complex set of injuries. Consultant oral and maxillofacial surgeon Jahrad Haq, who was on call when Flintoff was admitted, recalled being notified by the emergency department about the seriousness of the case. “A lot of injuries are managed at a more junior level before escalating, so I knew this one was serious,” said Mr Haq. Reflecting on over twenty years of trauma cases, he rated Flintoff’s as among the most challenging.
Remarkably, after months of intense treatment and recovery, Flintoff’s return to the hospital was an uplifting experience for both staff and patient alike. Consultant trauma and orthopaedic surgeon Shamim Umarji 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.” Umarji emphasised the morale boost Flintoff’s visit provided, noting the sincere gratitude he showed to everyone involved in his care.
Kate Slemeck, managing director for St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, echoed the sense of pride felt by staff, saying, “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. This shows the lasting impact they have on people, long after they’ve left hospital.”
The harrowing details of Flintoff’s accident have since been recounted in a Disney+ documentary, simply titled ‘Flintoff’. In the film, Flintoff discusses how instincts honed on the cricket field came into play during the terrifying moments of the crash. He described being dragged face-down for around fifty metres under the vehicle—a moment he described as life-changing and deeply traumatic. At one point, he believed he might not survive.
In the aftermath of the crash, Flintoff disappeared from the public eye. Reports suggest he would only leave home for necessary medical appointments as he began the slow road to recovery, battling both physical and emotional scars. Throughout his ordeal, the dedication of NHS staff was a steadying force.
Reunited with the team that saved him, Flintoff spent time chatting with nurses, surgeons and other clinicians, sharing stories and sentiments which clearly resonated with those who went above and beyond for his care. It speaks volumes to the NHS tradition of putting patient welfare first, regardless of one’s status or celebrity.
Flintoff’s praise arrives at a time when conversations about the pressures facing healthcare workers continue to dominate national debate. His story stands as a reminder of the life-changing work carried out, often under immense strain, by NHS professionals across the country.
For Flintoff and the staff who treated him, the relationship forged in crisis has left an enduring mark. As the former sports star publicly thanks his “superheroes”, there is a renewed appreciation for the human impact of expert, compassionate healthcare—no matter who finds themselves in need.