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The sport I love damaged my brain

Alix Popham, a former top rugby player, is confronting what his doctors say are the devastating effects of thousands of bangs on the head.

From the time he started playing rugby at the age of four, Alix Popham and everyone around him knew he was destined for big things. He didn't disappoint, representing his country, Wales, more than thirty times during a long and successful career at the top of the game. When injury forced him into retirement in 2011, he became an entrepreneur and fell in love with an old schoolfriend, Mel, with whom he had a baby girl. But their bright future dimmed when Alix found out last year - at the age of 40 - that he has early-onset dementia, a condition his doctors blame on brain trauma suffered throughout his career. He now struggles to remember many of his finest moments on the pitch. The devastating diagnosis has rocked his family - and the sport they love. Alix and Mel spoke to Jo Fidgen.

Get in touch: outlook@bbc.com

Picture: Alix Popham and Mel Bramwell-Popham
Credit: Alix Popham

Available now

44 minutes

Last on

Tue 9 Mar 2021 03:06GMT

Broadcasts

  • Mon 8 Mar 2021 12:06GMT
  • Mon 8 Mar 2021 18:06GMT
  • Mon 8 Mar 2021 23:06GMT
  • Tue 9 Mar 2021 03:06GMT

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