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Name: | Brent Zillwood |
Age: | 19 |
Year of the Fix: | 2010 |
Location: | Plymouth |
Campaign: | To raise awareness of Tourette's syndrome |
From the age of 15, I have had Tourette's syndrome.
From physical ticks, random noises, and sometimes swearing, there are quite a few things to contend with living with Tourette's.
I worked with Fixers to produce a short film which highlights the difficulties I face with the condition, and ways in which I have learnt to combat Tourette's syndrome. My aim is to encourage others to control the condition through creativity.
My main message to others with Tourette's is not to give up - continue to find ways to live with the condition. It is not easy, but I want to give a little bit of hope to others, like me.
Since completing my project, I have gone on to win a Fixers award – presented by Big Brother winner Pete Bennett, who also has Tourette's.
I finished my University degree in filmmaking, and in 2013, I starred in Channel 4’s reality dating series ‘The Undateables’.
Here is a list of Fixers helping me with my Fix:
Alex Littleboy | Richard Craig |
Samantha Foot | Patrick Sheehan |
Lydia Parsons | Sophia Hirst |
Alex Wolfe | Billy Filmer |
James Warren | Josh Ropen-Knight |
Lily Bendall | Andy Rollinson |
Hattie Robinson | Ben Stevens |
Andrew John Pellett | Michael Moy |
Sam Jones |
January 2015
My Fixers film has now been viewed nearly 40,000 times after appearing in an article on The Mirror’s website. You can read the piece by clicking on the banner below, and watch my film here.
January 2014
My story was featured in the Plymouth Herald. Click here to read the article.
I attended a music night organised by fellow Fixer Tom Carpenter to raise awareness of Tourette's. Around 150 people came along and I appeared on stage with Tom and Big Brother winner Pete Bennett to answer questions asked by audience members. Click here to read a story about the event.
We received the following feedback after the music night:
Charlotte (25) : 'A very informative and enjoyable evening. It was so interesting to have an insight into something that for some is so unknown - along with some great music.'
Elliot (13): 'Tonight was great. I loved seeing some famous people with Tourette's as it boosted my confidence.'
Louise (35): 'A fantastic evening - thank you Fixers for organising this event. Tom has a great voice and will go far! Pete and Brent are lovely guys.'
Emily (24): 'I got to meet Pete and Brent. It helped me to boost my confidence in myself and helped me feel like I can achieve anything if I believe in myself.'
Fixers Tom Carpenter (L) and Brent Zillwood (R) join former Big Brother winner Pete Bennett at a music event to raise awareness of Tourette's.
(Photo courtesy of Mervyn Clingan of Taking Pictures)
I also appeared in Tom's TV story in support of his campaign. Click here to watch the film.
January 2013
My story was featured in the Plymouth Herald and This is Plymouth.
I also starred on Channel 4's reality dating series 'The Undateables'. You can find more information and read the full articles by clicking the links above.
June 2011
I was honoured to appear at The Big Fix Live where I was presented with an award as a representative for my region. I was given my award by Big Brother winner Pete Bennett who also has Tourette's syndrome. Click here to watch the video.
Fixer Brent Zillwood with Big Brother winner Pete Bennett
August 2009
My story was featured on the BBC News website. You can read the full article by clicking here.
Chelsie Brown
Jade Kingdom
Becky
Shak & Natasha
Hannah Baker
Shannon Rawlings
Ethan Mcinally
Meghann
Shano
Timothy Cranfield
Mason Latey
Me and my friends want young people to know that calories aren't the enemy!
Ben Simms
Hannah Carter
Hafsa Ur-Rehman
Becky Thorn
Alexandra Garrick
Olivia G
'Ben'