Every Saturday, there used to be a crowd of girls outside the house. The relatively short landing area beyond the drag strip consisted of an uphill incline leading to the edge of a steep embankment. From that moment, I knew I wanted to be a stunt man. It was the only time he complained that he wasn't happy. Treatment has been offered to former stunt rider Eddie Kidd, who was brain damaged in an accident, by an osteopath for whom he was a childhood hero. Kidd was once married to dancer and actress Debbie Ash, the sister of actress Leslie Ash; after having one child they divorced. In the March after the accident he was really at a low ebb. I was in a coma for nine weeks. My family has always been supportive and very close. We would sit up chatting till four in the morning. We're getting married next year. After an accident during a stunt in Stratford-Upon-Avon in 1996, Eddie Kidd was in a coma for three months and was left paralysed and with brain damage, reports Mirror Online. Legendary stuntman Eddie Kidd – paralysed for the past 24 years - has hit out at the “horrific” news that his full-time carers are to be replaced. His career ended after an accident occurred landing his bike after a 50 ft jump at the Bulldog Bash in Warwickshire. Kidd, Eddie. {{#verifyErrors}} {{message}} {{/verifyErrors}} {{^verifyErrors}} {{message}} {{/verifyErrors}}, A Family Affair: `My mechanic told me not to jump'. Before, when I was pissed off, I would just get into my car and drive. 14 th April 1999. He also doubled for Val Kilmer in Top Secret!.[6]. [14], Kidd has also had a singing career, releasing several singles such as "Leave it to the Kidd" (Decca FR 13795). He was one of the most famous stunt riders in the world until he suffered serious head and pelvic injuries after a failed stunt jump … The former motorcycle stunt rider Eddie Kidd, who was left severely injured after an accident, says a British invention is speeding his recovery. and Pierce Brosnan in GoldenEye. [2], In 1984, Martech released a computer game based on Kidd's stunts titled Eddie Kidd Jump Challenge. [12], Twenty-three years after a brief relationship with her, Kidd met model Samantha Kirli again in 2004 and they married in 2007 but separated in December 2012. In 1993, American motorcycle daredevil Robbie Knievel challenged Kidd to a world title motorcycle "jump off" competition in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, USA. I don't want sympathy, and he doesn't need it. He bought me a motor-bike when I was six and taught me how to jump. World champion motorbike stuntman Eddie Kidd was left brain-damaged and confined to a wheelchair after an accident in August 1996. Sherard. After seven months in rehab, I still hadn't been out, so she kidnapped me and took me out to the park without telling anyone. Eddie Kidd walked the London Marathon in two months. Eddie jumped over the Simatai section of the Great Wall of China (Image: Getty) Already dependent on his round-the-clock carers to wash, feed and dress him, Eddie is … In September of 1975, when Eddie was 17 years old, he attempted to jump 13 double-decker buses at the Highbury Stadium in London. I landed on my head and the bike hit me on the chin. I feel a bit of a fat pig at the moment, but in two years I'll be walking, and I'm already riding a quad bike. He always came back from America with a big case full of stuff for me - roller skates, cowboy boots, denim jackets. I asked Sarah to come with me because we get on so well. He stole my line - I love him to death. When I first moved to rehab she used to come three times during the week, and then at the weekend with her husband and three kids. Demonstration of Stunt Riding and Motorcycle Jumping by one of the best riders in his time Eddie Kidd.....Demonstrating his Skills at Brands Hatch I then fell 20ft. Image caption Eddie Kidd has been walking the London Marathon route since 17 April . Toy manufacturers couldn’t wait to produce model stunt bikes and games with Eddie's face on. Evel Knievel. This did not stop him from completing a marathon, which officially makes Eddie Kidd a full-on badass. If I hadn't been so fit, I would have died. WHEN EDDIE first started jumping, I couldn't watch it, then I found it really exciting. All I've got now are four walls - but in three months, I hope to leave here and move in with my fiancee, Olive Reynolds, a physiotherapy assistant. [2], Kidd appeared in an episode of Russell Brand's 2002 TV documentary series RE:Brand to talk about his life after the accident. Find your bookmarks in your Independent Premium section, under my profile, World champion motorbike stuntman Eddie Kidd was left brain-damaged and confined to a wheelchair after an accident in August 1996. My mum and dad bought me a bike and I did my first professional show when I was 15. Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Eddie Kidd later had a terribly unfortunate accident & was paralysed, suffering brain damage. Het hit his chin on the petrol tank and plunged unconscious with his bike over a 20ft embankment, breaking his pelvis, collarbone and six vertebrae in his neck. She was sentenced to five months in prison and given a restraining order. He's quite happy. I was in intensive care for three weeks, and I have lived since in rehabilitation centres. Most common factors are over-speeding, alcohol, over-correction and more. Kidd married Stringfellows waitress Sarah Carr and they had one child before their divorce. As Knievel and Kidd did not meet again competitively the winner's belt remains with Kidd. In comparison to some of his previous stunts, the jump Kidd made that day was relatively minor, comprising a jump of approximately 15 m (49 ft) across a drag strip. The event was televised as a pay-per-view event titled The Daredevil Duel: Knievel vs. Kidd. I didn't mind. Lea Valley Star. But I wouldn't listen to them. Want an ad-free experience?Subscribe to Independent Premium. [5], On 6 August 1996, Kidd was involved in a serious motorcycle accident while performing at the Bulldog Bash, held at Long Marston Airfield near Stratford-upon-Avon. Because of his head injury I prepared myself for a completely different person, but I've got my brother back. The competition required each rider to make three motorbike jumps with the cumulative distance covered by each used to determine the winner: Kidd won by six feet. Eddie started jumping off ramps on a bicycle, then when he was 15 years old, he got his first motorcycle. Not only was he a fantastic motorcycle rider but he was also an actor and male model. When I got there, they hadn't built the scaffolding which would stop me falling down the other side of the bank. Start your Independent Premium subscription today. We still shout and swear at each other, but I wouldn't have him any other way. On 6 June, he completed it. [7] Despite performing over 12,000 jumps in his career,[8] he did not have a UK motorcycle licence until 1995. I'm such a positive person I always thought he would come through it. On 17 April 2011, Kidd started the 2011 London Marathon, ditching his wheelchair at the start and walking the rest of the way, stating it would take "four weeks to complete" and that it was his "greatest stunt yet". English (US) Español; Français (France) 中文(简体) FORMER motorcycle stunt rider Eddie Kidd is to sell the motorcycles used in a variety of his world record-breaking stunts, as the disabled rider struggles to cope with ongoing financial woes, it has been revealed. Horoscope and astrology data of Eddie Kidd born on 22 June 1959 Islington, England, with biography. The court heard that she tried to throttle Kidd, slapped him on the face and chest and kicked him. With Eddie Kidd. Eddie Kidd once performed his stunts in front of my own eyes. The worst thing is being so dependent on other people. Eddie Kidd, 54, left paralysed when motorcycle jump went wrong in 1996 Mrs Kidd was jailed for five months and handed a restraining order By … God has given me a second chance, and they do say life begins at 40. I've stopped trying to walk at present because I was doing it wrong and picking up bad habits. She did it another time - she got up at 6am and brought me back to her house for the day. I broke my pelvis and collar bone, damaged my neck and suffered brain damage. My mum said he ruined me. In 1996 he had a terrible accident at a Hells' Angels rally in Warwickshire. Eddie Kidd along with stunt rider Evel Knievel, were two names which were on everyone lips in during the time and kids everywhere wanting to be just like him. When I was 25, I went on a six-month tour of Sweden. I'm also learning to write again, and today I got dressed on my own for the first time. Eddie Kidd was a childhood hero. That's the one thing I regret - maybe I should have been selfish. Eddie Kidd was pronounced dead after succumbing to the fatal accident. I spend most of my day in physiotherapy. He bought me loads of sweets when he babysat for me, and then as he got more and more famous he would give me so much money. When I was in intensive care she came every day, and would sit up all night with the nurses massaging my hands to stop them curling up. Everyone became my friend from a very early age because they wanted to get to know my brother, particularly the women. In comparison to some of his previous stunts, the jump Kidd made that day was relatively minor, comprising a jump of approximately 15 m (49 ft) across a drag strip. A documentary about the life and journey of Eddie Kidd, 'The Black Knight'. WHEN I was 12, I saw The True Life Story of Evel Knievel at the cinema. Mentally he's the same, he's just got a problem with his co-ordination and slurs when he talks if he's tired. He sustained serious head and pelvic injuries in the resulting fall. Knievel, son of the late Evel Knievel, had deemed Kidd to be the only motorcycle jump rider worthy of challenging him. EDDIE KIDD jumping the Great Wall of China... Eddie Kidd is our special guest in London next year on RIDE CAPITALS KNIEVELS 2022. [4] 11 hrs # Daredevilfriday-Eddie Kidd jumps the Great Wall of China # sendit *1993. [5] One of his most famous motorcycle stunts was in the 1979 film Hanover Street starring Harrison Ford. His first public jump took place in 1974. My mum used to ask me how I did it. Eddie Kidd, 54, left paralysed when motorcycle jump went wrong in 1996 By Inderdeep Bains for the Daily Mail Published: 11:35 EST, 4 July 2013 | Updated: 02:25 EST, 5 July 2013 He has worked as a stunt double in many films, notably for Timothy Dalton in The Living Daylights, Roger Moore and Michael Caine in Bullseye! Sometimes people recognise him when we're out, and ask me whether they can talk to him. Sarah's been brilliant through out it all. Accident: Kidd (OBE) was left paralysed when a motorcycle jump went horrifically wrong in 1996 - leaving him with serious brain damage following a three-month coma Mr Kidd's … In an attempt to jump across a drag strip, he crashed into an incline and suffered severe head injuries. [13], In 1987, Kidd branched into clothes and hair modelling and appeared in commercials for companies such as Sunsilk, Vileda, and Levi's. ... Mr Kidd, of Seaford, East Sussex, was injured in 1996 when his bike crashed after jumping across a drag strip. TV confession over Eddie’s last jump. I love her to death. He is the holder of many world records for jumping over cars and buses . I'm concentrating on my balance. [11] Kidd also said he would compete in another marathon in two years' time. Eddie tipped the last bus and had to lay down the bike upon landing. Before the accident, he used to come to our house at midnight with a bottle of wine. Eddie Kidd's biggest leap of faith He was the pin-up stunt-rider who knew no fear, even jumping the Great Wall of China, until an accident left him … I couldn't ask for a better brother. I don't want people to think of me in a wheelchair, or to feel sorry for me. As a result, he was unable to prevent himself and his bike from continuing up and over the 6 m (20 ft) embankment edge. One of his most famous motorcycle stunts was in the 1979 film Hanover Street starring Harrison Ford. Being with him makes me feel good. He has worked as a stunt double in many films, notably for Timothy Dalton in The Living Daylights, Roger Moore and Michael Caine in Bullseye! We laugh all the time, particularly at me being in a wheelchair. Kidd took control of a motorcycle again when he formally opened the Beyond Boundaries Live 2007 Exhibition at Sandown Park, Esher on 29 June 2007. Doubling for Ford on a motorbike he jumped a 120 feet (37 m) railway cutting at 90 miles per hour (140 km/h) in Shepton … [9] After the accident, doctors told Kidd's parents that it was possible he could be in a coma for up to 10 years. A lot of people don't understand the situation. It was spring and I felt like I was alive. I remember staying at home on Saturday nights with Sarah because we didn't have any money to go out, and driving mum and dad mad because we were always laughing. DeadDeath is yet to confirm the cause of the accident at this time. In 1996, the real Eddie Kidd attempted a relatively routine jump – you know, for a motorcycle daredevil – but it went badly wrong and he was left paralysed and with brain damage. Mr Kidd, who was hurt in an accident five years ago, is using a motorised all-terrain wheelchair designed in Royston, Hertfordshire to … Kidd started his career at the age of fourteen. Directed by Nicholas A.J. Former stunt rider Eddie Kidd, who was brain damaged in an accident… In 1993, he jumped over the Great Wall of China on a motorcycle. He was paralysed and suffered brain damage following an accident in 1996. I was to jump 50ft over a moving jet car, and land on a hill. Neither were there cardboard boxes to break a fall. In his role as stunt biker Dave Munday in the 1981 film Riding High, Kidd performed a motorcycle jump across an 80-foot gap in a disused viaduct across the Blackwater River in Essex. His career ended after an accident occurred landing his bike after a 50 ft jump at the Bulldog Bash in Warwickshire. Het hit his chin on the petrol tank and plunged unconscious with his bike over a 20ft embankment, breaking his pelvis, collarbone and six vertebrae in his neck. We haven’t learnt if any of these are involved. FORMER stuntrider Eddie Kidd has revealed how he had been drinking and taking drugs the night before the accident which almost cost him his life. When he had his accident, nobody knew whether he would walk or talk again. He used to really spoil me. Eddie Kidd was the British equivalent of Evel Knievel. and Pierce Brosnan in GoldenEye. So I put him in my car and we went for an ice-cream in the park. Doubling for Ford on a motorbike he jumped a 120 feet (37 m) railway cutting at 90 miles per hour (140 km/h) in Shepton Mallet, Somerset. Paralysed stuntman Eddie Kidd’s wife is jailed for beating him TRAGIC motorbike stuntman Eddie Kidd’s estranged wife was jailed for five months yesterday for beating him in … Although Kidd completed the jump and landed the bike upright on two wheels, his chin struck the petrol tank of his motorcycle and he was knocked unconscious. In August 2013, Kirli was convicted of assaulting Kidd. I remember my mum and dad saying: "Eddie's got severe brain damage, he could be like that for the rest of his life." She used to nick my clothes, even my leather jackets. I don't promote the fact that I'm Eddie Kidd's sister, especially since the accident, because people always ask about it and it gets tiresome. Dramatic: Mr Kidd jumps over five cars in a 1976 stunt. On 6 August 1996, Kidd was involved in a serious motorcycle accident while performing at the Bulldog Bash, held at Long Marston Airfield near Stratford-upon-Avon. At times he's a pain in the arse - he's really fussy and wants everything in its place. I tell them to ask him. However, he regained consciousness within three months of the accident, but was left paralysed and with brain damage. People used to think it was me coming down the street, but it was her. [15], Learn how and when to remove this template message, Officer of the Order of the British Empire, "Stuntman Eddie Kidd's wife Samantha jailed for assaulting him", "A Family Affair: `My mechanic told me not to jump, "Brain-Damaged Former Daredevil Completes Marathon", "Wife of stuntman Eddie Kidd charged with domestic abuse", "Motorbike stunt legend Eddie Kidd appeals for Stephen Hawking-style voicebox", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Eddie_Kidd&oldid=995310580, Officers of the Order of the British Empire, BLP articles lacking sources from July 2011, Articles with unsourced statements from December 2014, Wikipedia articles with WORLDCATID identifiers, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 20 December 2020, at 10:32. Eddie Kidd made something of a miraculous recovery. [2] On 15 June 2012 it was announced that he had been made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in the Queen's Birthday Honours List for services to charity. Edward Kidd OBE (born 22 June 1959) is an English former stunt performer. [3], Kidd started his career at the age of fourteen. The 40- year-old … The estranged wife of Eddie Kidd, the paralysed former motorbike stunt rider, has been jailed after it emerged she repeatedly slapped him in the face leaving him cowering from a series of blows. On 17 July 2012, he carried the Olympic Torch during its relay journey through Lewes, East Sussex.[10]. He is the holder of many world records for jumping over cars and buses[citation needed]. His younger sister, Sarah Simpson, 31, lives in Turnford, also in Hertfordshire, and sells advertising space. I never used to touch anything before jumping, in case it impaired my judgement, but the night before the accident at a Hell's Angel rally in Long Marston, Warwickshire, I took cocaine and I'd been drinking. We're so lucky as a family. They would be there all day with him and get the same response, and then I would turn up and he would start laughing. The 40- year-old now lives in a nursing home in Hemel Hempstead. 6,579 Views. Read our full mailing list consent terms here. She tried to bring me round by rubbing familiar food on my lips - Kentucky Fried Chicken, and those sweets called Milk Bottles we used to eat when we were kids. Before that, he was a stunt double for a string of top actors including Harrison Ford, Pierce Brosnan, Timothy Dalton, Roger Moore and Michael Caine in films including Goldeneye and The Living Daylights. I see my future as happy. I just wanted to feel some of his pain for him. My mechanic told me not to do the jump, but there were 20,000 people there, and I didn't want to let them down. The 51-year-old has been wheelchair-bound since sustaining massive spinal injuries when he crashed during a long-distance jump in 1996. I used to pay her to clean my leathers, but she was useless. It's all paid for by the NHS - I wasn't insured and I'm broke. Eddie Kidd was brain damaged in an accident in 1996.