More than 700 guests from 52 countries descended on Cambridge yesterday (Wednesday 4 Sept) for a public symposium that was part of a week-long series of events organised as part of the 2024 meeting of the International Trauma Society (INTS).
Researchers, scientists, clinicians, coaches, players, and others were joined at the Corn Exchange by a significant number of local residents who had their own reasons for learning more about sports-related head injury, and the steps that can prevent it.
Cambridge University Hospitals’ consultant neurosurgeon and associate professor, Mr Adel Helmy, who led the event, said afterwards:
It really was an incredible response. We want to sincerely thank all those who joined us, including those who spoke with such passion and knowledge.
First on stage was Dawn Astle, daughter of West Bromwich Albion and England striker Jeff Astle, who died after years of suffering with dementia, aged 59, in January 2002.
Dawn and family launched the Jeff Astle Foundation in 2015 and gave a moving account of the long battle, despite their own grief, to raise awareness of head injuries, and the progress made since with authorities.
Paralympian George Peasgood was cheered after outlining his courageous fight back from a cycle crash in 2022, which left him in a coma for seven weeks and was followed by a protracted period of rehabilitation.
It came on top of an accident with a ride-on lawnmower, aged two, after which Addenbrooke’s surgeons battled to save his foot. He now has one significantly smaller than the other, explained George, who wore two different coloured trainers.
George, a double Paralympian in triathlon and cycling who comes from a sporting background said:
I’m a believer in making your own luck
George Peasgood
Chief Medical Officer for the British Grand Prix, CUH Professor of neurosurgery, Peter Hutchinson, spoke about motorsport and how many of the safety features introduced over the years continue to be incorporated into modern vehicles.
He gave an insight into the amazing work of the 100 strong Silverstone Medical Team – in which he plays a key role – and its commitment to keeping drivers and the huge crowds safe.
A discussion on rugby, led by Professor Keith Stokes from the Centre for Health and Injury and Illness Prevention in Sport based at the University of Bath, focused on ways to reduce the impact of tackles, ongoing research within the sport, and drew a number of questions from an interested audience.
Neurotrama 2024 closes today following events at various colleges and locations around the city hosted by Cambridge University Hospitals and the University of Cambridge.
The programme opened with a football match on Parker’s Piece on Sunday which showcased the evolution of football rules through the generations from 1963, to the modern day, and how they affect players’ brain health.
‘The Generations Game: Cambridge vs The Rest of the World’ brought together the planet’s world-leading brain injury neuroscientists and clinicians, football coaches, ex-professional players, and recreational players.
It was led by Glasgow neuropathologist Willie Stewart from Head Safe Football and Judith Gates, wife of Bill Gates who played 333 games for Middlesbrough.
Afterwards Professor Hutchinson, who is also Incoming president of the International Neurotrauma Society, said:
We were absolutely delighted at the response to the football and would like to thank all those who turned up to make it such a special – and competitive - occasion!
I think participants found it extremely interesting to play to rules from different periods in time – and to think about how those rules may change in future years for the benefit of players and their health.
It set the pace for what was a very successful week.
Professor Peter Hutchinson