Scottish stuntman in 'race against time' to save his leg after freak accident at home

A Scottish stuntman has launched a campaign to help save his leg - and possibly his life - after he fell 15ft at his home sparking a medical emergency,

Charlie “Chick” Allan, 61, is racing against time to raise funds for a potentially life-saving procedure abroad after complete arterial thrombosis in his left knee left NHS surgeons unable to help, reports The Daily Record.

The actor from Denny, best known for his role in Gladiator as the German Leader who held a Roman soldier’s severed head at the start of the film, suffered the injury on August 8, when he fell into a 15-foot ditch while doing DIY work to his home gym.

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He said: "I landed heavily on my left leg when it folded under me. It sounded like it tore, and my knee swelled up like a balloon.

"I’m not a light fella, so I went down hard. I had to claw my way out by grabbing clumps of grass. It was very freaky.”

Despite initial efforts to manage the injury, Charlie’s condition worsened. Blood clots developed, cutting off circulation to his lower leg. This meant that he now risked losing his leg or his life if things worsened.

After spending three days in Hairmyres Hospital awaiting a vein bypass, he was told it was not possible because of complications from a previous blunt-force trauma injury in his right leg. As a result, he was prescribed Apixaban, Aspirin and Anticoagulants and was told there was no other procedure available to him under the NHS.

His wife, Chara, then began looking for alternatives and came across surgeons in the US and Germany who could perform an Endovascular Thrombectomy which would have a 90 percent chance of success. However, he needs to raise £25,000.

He added: “The surgeons told me that I must get the procedure done before Christmas. The longer it’s left, the harder it is to fix. There’s also a chance that if anything breaks free, it could affect my heart or lungs and be fatal. It’s a scary thought, and one I’m trying not to think about.”

A GoFundMe page has been launched to pay for the surgery which has raised under over £12k already.

“My wife looked at how much had been raised on the night that it went live, and we were astonished,” he said. “It’s phenomenal. Any help is massive because we can’t afford this sort of money.”

Charlie has a 16-month-old son, Bran, who he is determined to be there for, he said: “My son is now up and running, and I can’t catch him if he runs off. It’s quite worrying because I want him to grow up with me kicking a ball about with him. Hopefully with two legs rather than one.”

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His wife, Chara Gallos-Allan, added: “We have often kept our struggles close to our hearts, but tonight we feel it’s time to lean on the kindness and generosity of our friends.”

Despite his extensive connections in the film industry, Chick has hesitated to ask for financial help from friends. Among those he counts as close companions is Hollywood star Russell Crowe, who has supported Charlie and his work as CEO at The Clanranald Trust for Scotland on numerous occasions.

“Russell has helped me out more than most,” he said. “He donated a haka band to my wedding and the opening event at Duncarron. He’s flown me out for film projects, like his directing debut with The Water Diviner, just because I’m his mate. He’s an amazing guy and always very generous.

“I never thought of asking anyone for help. It’s not for pride; it’s about not putting that much of a burden on anybody else.”

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Though side-lined by his injury, Charlie remains focused on the future. He said: “This procedure is my last hope. If I can make it happen, I can get back to doing what I love - not just in my career, but with my family.”

To donate, visit their GoFundMe page.