I was a stunt double for Daniel Radcliffe until I was paralysed from the chest down in an accident on the Harry Potter set and my life changed forever… here’s why I’m still so proud of the series
As I delve into the heartwrenching tale of David Holmes, a man who embodies resilience and courage, I am left in awe of his indomitable spirit. His journey is one that transcends the boundaries of a typical stuntman’s life, as he confronts adversity with an unwavering determination to live every moment to its fullest.
The man who stood in for Daniel Radcliffe during stunts on the Harry Potter film set, and who became paralyzed from the chest down following an accident, expresses continued pride in his contributions to the series and the influence the movies continue to have on viewers.
In January 2009, during rehearsals for a fight scene with an explosion (related to Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1), David Holmes, aged 43, unexpectedly fell to the ground at the Leavesden film studios close to Watford. This incident occurred in January of 2009.
The car crash caused severe injury to David’s spine, leaving him unable to move below his chest and restricting movement in his upper limbs only slightly.
Due to a persistent growth in his spine, there’s been continuous decline in his health, and it’s expected that he will lose all mobility soon. This would mean he wouldn’t be able to breathe, speak, or swallow on his own.
Although acknowledging his anger over the injury sustained during the show, Holmes expresses continued pride in the enduring influence of his work today.
On his Crisis What Crisis? podcast, Andy Coulson reminisced about the Christmas season of 2019, a time when he was recuperating in the hospital after undergoing brain surgery and facing a serious health crisis.
He mentioned that his first complete meal was on Christmas Day, which happened to be his mother’s Christmas dinner. They were in a hospital at the time, making it a challenging period for him. He had a small television mounted on the wall, and they spent their time watching Oliver Twist.
On that particular day, that movie was our savior. For just a brief while, it whisked us away from the hospital environment, allowing us to escape into the captivating world created by a remarkable tale.
And I often reflect on how Harry Potter creates a safe haven for countless individuals each day, and I am incredibly proud of the role I play in providing such a sanctuary for people.
Regardless of how it led me here, I will always take pride in it; it’s a marvelous accomplishment.
In 2009, during rehearsals for a combat scene for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1, Holmes suffered an injury that left him unable to move from the waist down after breaking his neck.
In the podcast discussion, he explained that when he was struck by a magical spell, he’d be propelled backward, suspended in mid-air like on a trapeze wire.
He said: ‘Something went wrong that was out of my control. I flew into a wall at a phenomenal pace, neck first, and my chest folded into my nose and my spinal cord separated. I landed instantly paralysed, still conscious’.
Initially, the person who stood in for Daniel during all the Harry Potter movies (before suffering an accident) was brought to Watford General Hospital’s Emergency Department. However, as the severity of his injuries came to light, he was subsequently moved to a hospital specializing in spinal injuries.
He spent several months in hospital and has undergone years of treatment and surgeries.
The stunt double further revealed that he may only have 24 years to live as his condition worsens.
But he still wants to achieve as much as he can in the time he has left.
He told former Editor of News of the World and Downing Street Director of Communications Mr Coulson: ‘Doctors told me that predicted living age is 65 – that gives me 24 years left on this planet.
On this trip, will I still be capable of speaking, eating, and breathing independently? That remains uncertain.
‘But I know I can do that today, so I’m going to make sure I use it before I lose it, and that is something that puts a rocket up your backside, for sure.’
In a documentary titled “The Boy Who Lived,” Holmes shared his experiences and expressed warm feelings towards his long-standing friendship with the Hollywood actor Daniel, who played a role as executive producer in the movie.
Discussing his time with Daniel Radcliffe, the former gymnast humorously pointed out: “When Dan was around 10 or 11 during the initial filming days, it quickly became apparent that he wasn’t the most graceful or physically fit among us!
Daniel visited our stunt department about twice or thrice a week, and on those days, we’d make sure the room was secured. What mattered most to me was giving him the freedom to act like a child.
‘We engaged in activities an insurance company might find alarming! We allowed him to jump on trampolines, we participated in mock sword fights, and we played games to foster a setting where Dan could play and enhance his physical abilities.’
Previously, Holmes shared that he felt shattered when con artists swindled funds intended for his wellbeing and to alleviate the hardship of the cold season.
Someone claiming to represent the NatWest fraud department contacted him, having access to details like his home address and knowledge of his recent birthday celebration.
Additionally, the individual realized there were cryptocurrencies associated with their card and recommended moving the funds into a ‘safe storage wallet’ instead.
Later on, Holmes reflected: ‘At that moment, I was quite fragile. As for my birthdays, due to my health issue, I often ponder, ‘Where will I be a year from now, or even two years down the line?”
NatWest aided him in recovering the funds that he had originally saved with them, however, they did not assist with the losses he incurred through cryptocurrency.
The full episode of David Holmes on Crisis What Crisis? is available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and on their website
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2024-11-13 05:37