Russell Brand cancels tour after his mother is critically hurt in crash
RUSSELL Brand yesterday revealed his mother Barbara suffered “life-threatening” injuries when his chauffeur-driven car was involved in a hit-andrun crash.
The 42-year-old stand-up comedian said cancer patient Mrs Brand, 71, suffered “polytraumatic” injuries in the headon collision last week.
Brand’s driver was taking her to babysit his 18-month-old daughter Mabel when the Audi 8 saloon collided with a Vauxhall Astra.
Speaking for the first time about the accident yesterday, the star laid bare his fears for his mother, who has been stricken by cancer six times.
He also cancelled nine remaining dates on his “Rebirth” tour.
“My mum’s been in a really serious road accident and has sustained what are called polytraumatic injuries,” he said in a video statement.
“That means numerous, lifethreatening injuries. I can’t imagine performing at the moment, I feel too sad… She’s vulnerable. She only finished Brand’s mother Barbara, seen with her son, right, was being driven by his chauffeur before the head-on collision last week, above chemotherapy a month ago so for her to be in this situation, it’s really difficult.”
He said Mrs Brand – who was pulled bleeding from the wreck of the Audi – has had cancer six times and been saved by health service staff “on six occasions”.
His mother has beaten uterus cancer when the comedian was just eight, and breast cancer a year later.
He added: “I would like to say how I am reminded, as I have been many times across my life, of the importance and significance of the NHS.”
Brand went on: “Thank you for all your positive, beautiful messages, prayers.”
The outspoken comic said his driver is home from hospital following the smash at Warley, near Brentwood, Essex.
Essex Police arrested a man in his 40s in connection with the incident but have appealed for further information.