Three survivors of serious brain conditions joined a retired surgeon on stage for The National Brain Appeal’s Christmas concert 

Nicki Freeman, aged 24 from St Albans, stood up in front of nearly 300 people packed into St George’s Church on Queen Square to give a reading.

Nicki suffered a serious brain injury following a car crash in 2010 when she was 17. She spent over one month in the surgical intensive care unit at The National Hospital, London with her parents, Peter and Pauline, at her bedside.

After leaving The National, Nicki needed five years of neuro rehabilitation at several specialist centres.

Nicki’s father, Peter Freeman, said: “Seeing Nicki take to the stage and read so calmly and beautifully was a very special and proud moment for Pauline and me. We are eternally grateful to The National Hospital for saving our daughter’s life and to all those who have generously supported The National Brain Appeal, they are a crucial part of our happy outcome.”

Nicki was joined by actors Anthony Calf, Kevin Eldon, Nichola McAuliffe and Joanna David. Nichola and Joanna are also both survivors of serious brain conditions. Joanna, who is also a National Brain Appeal trustee, had life-saving brain surgery at The National Hospital, and Nichola was not expected to survive brain surgery when she was a five-year old child at a South London hospital.

Another high point of the evening was the debut saxophone performance by Mr Michael Powell, a retired neurosurgeon at The National Hospital and also Joanna David’s surgeon. Afterwards he commented that performing was more nerve-wracking than brain surgery.

Theresa Dauncey, chief executive of The National Brain Appeal, said: “Our Christmas Concert is always a very popular event and we are delighted to have raised £5,500 from ticket sales and donations on the night. We are so lucky and grateful to have the support of such hugely talented actors, singers and musicians who make the evening so magical, festive and entertaining.

“If we needed to be reminded of why it is so vital that we continue to raise money for The National Hospital, seeing patient Nicki Freeman stand up and read so beautifully after everything she has been through was all the evidence we need.”

To make a donation go to nationalbrainappeal.org or to make an instant £10 donation text: TBNA01 to 70070.