Adam Pearce Stroke Recovery Fund

On the 2nd December 2022, as he came off of stage after performing in Mandela the musical at The Young Vic, Adam had a bleed to the brain causing a Stroke. He was left paralysed on his left side and it was discovered that he had had a medium haemorrhage to the right lobar. In the early hours of the morning, Adam was admitted to Kings College Hospital and has been in hospital since.

He spent 2 weeks at Kings College Hospital in the Hyper Acute Stroke Unit where they started a small amount of physio with an amazing team to try and get his left side moving. By the time he left KCH, he was able to sit up in a chair and stand up with help.

Adam was then repatriated to a hospital closer to home where he was transferred to a stroke ward to continue his physiotherapy for another week before transferring again to a specialist rehabilitation hospital where he currently receives an intensive programme of Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy. Adam is now at a point where he can walk aided for around 50 Metres, have a standing-up shower un-aided and catch a tennis ball with his weak hand. These are massive achievements that he is rightfully proud of. Adam is having to ‘rewire his brain’ and learn to do everything again.

“A nerve grows 1mm every 24hrs”

It is estimated if he continues progressing at the rate he is going, that he will be fit enough to go home in mid-February. But his recovery does not stop there.

“At home, you will be recovering - not just physically and cognitively but physiologically from the trauma of a major health event - this is not to be underestimated.” (Different Strokes Charity)

Adam was at the Young Vic performing in Mandela when the stroke happened and I'm so pleased to say that the Young Vic has been an incredible support for Adam and his family. Offering accommodation for his family at nearby hotels to the hospitals where he was an inpatient, letting him know that the show was always open for him to return when and if he felt ready. But the biggest relief for Adam and his family was that the producers supported them financially, and paid him as if he has completed the run.

Adam was meant to start a new year-long contract this year, but, on being informed of his current medical situation, the producers decided to withdraw his contract with no offer of support. Sadly this leaves Adam financially vulnerable. He is a proud member of Equity who has been an amazing support, contacting charities and bursaries on his behalf and trying to take the worry away from him, but realistically, his road to recovery will take many months meaning he will not be able to work.

Rest and patience are so important at this time of his recovery, but it is very hard to listen to that advice when you are a self-employed actor. When leaving the hospital he needs to regain his confidence and get ‘life fit’ being able to walk his son to school, do a big shop, drive the car and eventually walk to the station. The long-term goals will be catching a train, going to auditions, walking in London and then, eventually getting ‘show fit’, ready for rehearsals and doing 8 shows a week. It will all take time.

As anyone who has worked with Adam will know, he is the epitome of a team player and the most wonderful company leader. I know how much he has personally inspired me and so many others in his approach to this crazy business of ours. I know as a family and community our greatest gift is each other and I’ve had so many people ask me what they can do to help. The outpouring of love has been incredible, so I’m excited to have one place to send everyone. Show business doesn’t make allowances for life events such as these but I know for certain how much love is there for Adam and the great difference our community can make.

This GoFundMe page is to help the Pearces with outgoings, including mortgage and bills, but to mainly help support them with Adam’s recovery, physically and cognitively. Adam’s goal is to get back up on stage so we want to be able to supplement any NHS care with special treatment for his voice/breathing/movement and to make sure he is stage ready.

This is a massive life event that has affected all three of them and turned their lives upside down. We want to make sure that all of them are well supported, financially and emotionally. We know how strong they are and that the sky is the limit for Adam’s recovery, and all our love is with “Team Pearce”. Thank you so much!

Molly, Danny & Dougie