David Holmes, the actor and primary stunt double for Daniel Radcliffe who worked on all eight Harry Potter films, visited STEPS Rehabilitation on Friday 12th December 2025 to tour the facility and speak with staff and clients about his experience of sustaining a life-changing spinal cord injury.
David’s career was tragically cut short in 2009 when, whilst rehearsing a flying scene for Deathly Hallows: Part 1, he broke his neck resulting in paralysis from his chest down. His life, resilience, and close friendship with Danie Radcliffe is the subject of his memoir and a 2023 HBO documentary David Holmes: The Boy who lived.
He attended with his partner, Rosie, who also lives with paralysis and knows of STEPS Rehabilitation through her previous treatment with Darren Bracken, our Clinical Nurse Educator.
David was a talented gymnast before landing the role in August 2000 at the age of 17. He served as Radcliffe’s stunt double from day 1 of the Harry Potter franchise until his accident. Since then, he has spoken publicly about his experiences living with disability and as a charity ambassador for the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, advocating for improved support for people living with spinal cord injuries.
During his visit, Holmes addressed staff and clients at STEPS about his journey and spinal injury care in the UK.
Speaking about what he is proud of, Holmes said: “I broke my neck, but I stayed the same person”, He stressed the importance of connecting with the wider disabled community to help individuals come to terms with their injuries.
“What you must remember is that able bodied people will also be part of our club whether you like it or not. Age and time are cruel things, and you will end up navigating your body deteriorating. By leaning into the community and seeing human beings with disabilities as equal and not less than, we’re sharing life together and picking each other up. And that’s what a lot of people here [at STEPS] are doing.”
He explained how he was lucky to receive the very best expert care following his accident but acknowledged that this level of rehabilitation and support wasn’t readily available to everyone via NHS provision alone. While he had access to an insurance settlement and support following the accident, others do not have the same opportunities.
“I’m only here because I’m able to pay for my care and have an amazing support network with my care team. And that’s a big hole in society right now. There’s a hundred thousand caregiver shortage right now. Maybe, just maybe, if we can get more STEPS out in the world and get busy live-in centres and new NHS spinal injury centres then things will improve, but none of that works without the recruitment of the people to sustain it.”
Holmes left us with an inspirational message about the value of caregiving work.
“When you are out talking to the younger generation, just remind them that the job satisfaction is not the pay cheque every month. It’s how do you go home every night and say what did I do today to make the world better. I hope you all leave this place today and say I made that person’s life better.”
“I'm really encouraged to see this place, to see dedicated staff members, and how you guys are able to help people rebuild their lives again.”
David’s visit was an inspiring and insightful one for clients and staff at STEPS and we hope both he and Rosie will return in the future. A big thank you to them both for taking the time to visit, along with Darren for arranging the visit.
