horror sight
Freddie Flintoff’s wife given terrifying warning before she saw star’s injuries
The Top Gear star has opened up on his devastating crash while filming for the hit BBC show
FREDDIE Flintoff's wife was warned to "expect the worst" before seeing the Top Gear star's injuries for the first time.
Rachael Wilson rushed to his hospital bedside after the horror crash on set in December 2022.
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In his new BBC1 series, Field of Dreams on Tour, Freddie reveals his lacerated nose, cheek and mouth in a tearful home video.
Freddie was in a three-wheel roadster as he filmed an episode of the BBC motoring show with co-stars Paddy McGuinness and Chris Harris when tragedy struck.
Shaken Freddie suffered from nightmares, flashbacks and cried every two minutes, insisting: "I shouldn't have survived".
The legendary cricketer's near-fatal car crash tested his 20-year marriage to Rachael once again.
READ MORE ON FREDDIE FLINTOFF
It follows a series of struggles - from depression to bulimia.
However, Rachael has always stood steadfastly by his side - despite Freddie having previously admitted to putting his partner “through hell”.
Freddie, 46, was lucky to survive the Top Gear crash - but suffered broken ribs and severe facial injuries that required multiple operations.
He was unable to leave the house for months at a time and plunged him into more mental anguish.
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Rachael and Freddie dated for three years before marrying in a lavish ceremony at the Pavilion Road Hotel in Knightsbridge in March 2005 - having welcomed first child Holly a year earlier.
They went on to have Corey in 2006, Rock in 2008 and Preston, aptly named after the Lancashire City where Freddie grew up, over the Christmas period in 2019.
Inside Freddie Flintoff’s 20 year marriage to model he ‘put through hell’ with booze & depression battle before horror crash - as he makes TV comeback
He wrote in his 2021 memoir The Book Of Fred: “I couldn’t have done all the things I’ve done without her. She has helped me get over so many problems.”
Series two of Freddie Flintoff’s Field of Dreams is available now on BBC iPlayer
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Help for mental health
If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support.
The following are free to contact and confidential:
- Samaritans, , 116 123, [email protected]
- CALM (the leading movement against suicide in men) , 0800 585 858
- Papyrus (prevention of young suicide), 0800 068 41 41
- Shout (for support of all mental health) , text 85258 to start a conversation
Mind,, provide information about types of mental health problems and where to get help for them. Email [email protected] or call the infoline on 0300 123 3393 (UK landline calls are charged at local rates, and charges from mobile phones will vary).
run a free, confidential parents helpline on 0808 802 5544 for parents or carers worried about how a child or young person is feeling or behaving. The website has a chat option too.
Rethink Mental Illness, , gives advice and information service offers practical advice on a wide range of topics such as The Mental Health Act, social care, welfare benefits, and carers rights. Use its website or call 0300 5000 927 (calls are charged at your local rate).
Heads Together, , is the a mental health initiative spearheaded by The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales.
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