The Brain Charity

The 29-year-old content creator, cheerleading coach, and star of The Traitors is now using his platform to raise awareness of neurological conditions. He is beginning by sharing his family’s deeply personal story for the very first time. 

A vibrant life rooted in performance, positivity and purpose 

Theo grew up in Leeds and now lives with his loving partner and stepson. He has spent much of his life energising those around him. Starting cheerleading at 17, Theo turned his passion into a profession by launching his own cheerleading business at just 21. 

Now, with nearly a decade of experience, Theo runs his cheerleading club day-to-day, helps lead a cheer competition organisation, and creates social media content—all while pushing for greater LGBTQ+ visibility wherever he can. 

Theo said: 

“My dream is to create a positive, safe space where as many people as possible can thrive – especially children from underprivileged backgrounds. I want to grow the club, get our own location, and hopefully get some of our team to Team England and European and World championships.” 

From Blankety Blank to The Traitors – finding his voice on screen 

Theo’s journey into the public eye started with appearances on Steph’s Packed Lunch and several TV adverts, followed by a winning turn on Blankety Blank. But it was The Traitors UK that really launched him into the spotlight. 

After applying on a whim, Theo was offered a place on the show within months and flew to Inverness with just a few days’ notice. He appeared in nine out of 12 episodes, becoming a fan favourite thanks to his warmth, honesty, and authenticity. 

Theo told us: 

“I didn’t go on the show to win – I went on for the opportunity. I saw it as a way to raise my voice, be more visible as a queer person of colour, and hopefully inspire others who don’t always see themselves represented.”

Theo would love to return to TV – and would be thrilled to return to the show as a Traitor next time – but he’s equally focused on using his exposure to amplify important causes. 

Speaking up, four years on, his mother’s stroke changed everything 

For Theo, the decision to work with The Brain Charity came from something much closer to home. In November 2019, his mum suffered a sudden and acute stroke. While she survived, the after-effects have been long-term – and life-changing. 

In the weeks before the stroke, his mum experienced dizzy spells and shortness of breath, visiting her GP several times, but her symptoms remained unclear.  

He said: 

“She’d felt ill for a few weeks beforehand, but symptoms were unclear. Eventually, she was sent home from work with what she thought was vertigo. Luckily, a concerned friend came by to check on her and decided to take her to the hospital, where she was diagnosed.”

Theo was at work when he received the shocking call from his sister, who was with their mum. He was filled with shock, fear, and helplessness. At the hospital, doctors confirmed she was having an acute stroke. 

Since then, his mum has had to adjust to breathlessness, a limp, fatigue, and memory problems. Her recovery is ongoing and has deeply affected their everyday lives. She now struggles with breathlessness and fatigue, even on simple walks, and has to plan her week carefully. This has led to adjustments in family activities, holidays, and routines to support her needs.  

Theo finds it difficult to express his emotions, processing the trauma quietly, but makes time to be with his mum as much as possible around his cheer business. He admires his sister’s strength, saying she’s been the real hero through it all. 

Despite their closeness, Theo has never publicly spoken about his mum’s stroke – until now.  

He said: 

“I’ve always wanted to work with a charity, but I needed to find one that felt right. The Brain Charity spoke to me because it covers all aspects of the brain – not just strokes, but mental health, neurological conditions, everything. It just felt right.” 

A family strengthened by the challenge 

As someone who describes himself as highly emotional, Theo admits that he struggled with the weight of what happened. While his sister took the lead in navigating appointments and support, he has always been there for his mum. 

“It still upsets me – especially the memory side of things,” he said. “It’s only little things for now, but they’re a constant reminder of how fragile things can be. There is always a lingering fear that another stroke could happen, and little moments – like her being unable to walk without a limp – serve as constant reminders. That’s why I want to speak up now, to help others who may be dealing with the same.” 

The stroke has had a ripple effect on family life. His mum now has to plan every journey in advance and manages her energy carefully throughout the week. The family also faced challenges with support services, including an unsuccessful PIP application. 

Theo said: 

“Even though it’s been tough, it’s brought us even closer. My mum and sister are my biggest supporters – always behind me with every mad idea I have.” 

His mum’s stroke has made him realise how easily symptoms can be missed, and he wants to raise awareness and encourage others to act fast if something feels wrong. Theo believes strokes don’t just affect the person – they reshape the entire family’s life. He says his mum’s strength and courage have shown him what real resilience looks like. 

From awareness to action 

Now, as a new ambassador for The Brain Charity, Theo is committed to speaking out. He hopes to use his platform to: 

• Raise awareness around strokes, their causes, symptoms, and recovery 

• Promote better mental health and grief support, especially for carers and loved ones 

• Encourage young people to protect their brain health 

• Champion positive mental wellbeing in sport, especially for underrepresented communities 

• Explore his own brain health and how his mind works and build empathy through lived experience 

• Explore the possibility that he may himself have undiagnosed ADHD 

Theo said:

“I want to learn more – not just for my mum but myself. The brain is incredible and so complex, and we don’t talk about it enough. I want to change that.”

Looking ahead

Whether it’s through a cheerleading session, his social media, or a national TV appearance, Theo is determined to make a difference. 

His goal? To inspire people from all walks of life to embrace who they are, to speak openly about mental health, grief and brain health, and to never take life – or one another – for granted. 

“I’m just getting started,” Theo said. “If sharing my story helps even one person feel less alone, then it’s all worth it.”