Hollywood stuntman unable to talk after injury

Joe has 39 credits to his name in a wide range of productions

A former Hollywood stuntman from Surrey says he had to rebuild his life "from scratch" after a traumatic brain injury left him unable to walk or talk.

Joe Watts, from Fetcham, has an impressive list of film credits - including three Star Wars films, Jurassic World and Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again.

But the 37-year-old was left with a fractured skull and traumatic brain injury after falling 25ft in 2019 while filming Fast and Furious 9.

Mr Watts says he has been in "full recovery" since the injury, but is now managing to help others who have brain injuries by working with the charity Day One Trauma.

"As a performer, particularly on a wire, I'm like a puppet on a string, I just have to put my trust in everyone else," he said.

Mr Watts said it has been "difficult from the off" since his injury, saying he struggles with balance, fatigue and "getting distracted all the time".

"I still have to be very aware of my mental health and keep myself in a good place," he said.

But by highlighting the effects of his brain injury, Mr Watts hopes it will become easier for others in similar situations to adjust.

The chief executive of Day One Trauma, Lucy Nickson, says learning from those who have rebuilt their lives is crucial to help others recover.

She said: "We're grateful to people like Joe for sharing their personal stories so authentically to demonstrate the importance of hope and how together, we can ensure others are not left to cope on their own."

Follow BBC Surrey on Facebook, on X. Send your story ideas to [e-mail] or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.