Patients and others with an interest in brain and spinal injury could benefit from a fortnightly series of inspiring podcasts due to be aired this year by the NIHR HealthTech Research Centre (HRC) based at Addenbrooke’s.
The first episode of 2026 will feature former Paralympian Steve Brown (pictured above) who, despite breaking his spine in his early 20’s, captained the 2012 GB wheelchair rugby team.
After a further life-changing injury preparing for the Rio games, Steve moved into broadcasting, commentating on the Paralympic and Invictus games and hosting programmes like the BBC’s Countryfile and Escape to the Country
The podcasts are the brainchild of HRC Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement group lead, James Piercy (pictured above), whose own life changed dramatically in January 2011 when a road accident left him with a severe head injury.
James, who launched the podcasts last year, said:
We are absolutely delighted to have Steve joining us for the first podcast of 2026. His story is one of courage and ambition and shows just what can be achieved with hard work and determination.
James Piercy
The NIHR Health Tech Research Centre in Brain Injury was launched in April 2024 and brings together NHS partners, business, and patients to develop technologies that improve patient care and ongoing independence. It also delivers a dedicated HealthTech Fellowship training programme for health professionals and partners.
It was established at Addenbrooke’s following a rigorous bidding process to the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) and is part of a network of 14 HealthTech Research Centres across England, each specialising in a different area.
The first episode will be available from 9am on Wednesday 28 January on the podcast (opens in a new tab) section of the HRC website (opens in a new tab) or on Spotify.