SuppliedA Scottish stuntman, who acted alongside Russell Crowe in the Ridley Scott epic Gladiator, is looking has had his foot saved with help from the Hollywood star.
Charlie Allan suffered complete arterial thrombosis – a blood clot that develops in an artery – after an accident at home on August 8, 2024.
The 61-year-old has worked on many small and big screen projects, including throwing a severed head at the feet of a Roman legion in the opening scene of Gladiator and playing a behind-the-scenes role in Outlander.
In the summer, as Charlie was building an access platform to his at-home gym in Castle Douglas, he fell into a 15-foot ditch.
Following the news that treatment through the NHS wasn’t possible, his wife Chara immediately began searching for alternatives abroad.
Charlie AllanThe family identified surgeons in the US and Europe who could carry out an endovascular thrombectomy.
The procedure involves the insertion of a catheter into an artery in the groin to restore blood flow to the impacted area.
A fundraiser was launched to help cover the £25,000 needed for the treatment. A number of famous faces, including Outlander’s Sam Heughan, megastar Russell Crowe, Terri Irwin and Robert Irwin, the wife and son of crocodile hunter Steve Irwin were quick to donate.
Charlie underwent the life-changing surgery in Leipzig, Germany on December 10.
“The doctors and surgeons told me it was really good that we came when we did because after Christmas it could’ve been a different story,” he told STV News.
Dreamworks Studos/Universal Pictures“My foot had no pulse by then and it was going off colour. It should’ve taken nine minutes but it took three hours.
“I could feel them breaking through the clot because I was conscious the whole time.
“There were expressions of exasperation as they tried to get it out but then they both celebrated and I relaxed a bit.
“After the operation I was kept in a couple days because there was a risk it could come back. Everything felt great and two days later I skipped for the first time which left my wife gobsmacked.
“I was facing losing my foot but now I’m very grateful.”
As his recovery continues, Charlie is excited to spend more time with his son and step back on set this year.
Charlie Allan“I’m back on track now,” the stuntman said.
“I have energy again and my mood is much better. Once I get back to training, I’ll be back jumping around with swords and training my team.
“I won’t be taking as many risks anymore but I’m looking forward to getting my teeth stuck into 2025.
“This made me realise I need to do a bit more for myself and spend more time with my family.”
The 61-year-old was completely overwhelmed by the support with 450 donations being made to the GoFundMe fundraiser.
“I was deeply touched by the people who donated and shared the fundraiser,” Charlie said.
“Just being to walk with my family again, I can’t express how grateful I am. You go through life and never expect people to be their to help you.
“But the fact so many people came forward made it more special.”
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