History and Overview
The Defence Military Rehabilitation Centre (DMRC) was originally located at Headley Court, an Elizabethan farmhouse bought by the Cunliffe family of Tyrrell’s Wood, Leatherhead.
They later sold this farmhouse and had architect Edward Warren build in 1899 an imposing mansion at the centre of Headley Court to the north, namely under Lord Cunliffe, who was Chairman of the Bank of England. During World War II, Headley Court was used as the headquarters of the VII Corps and then for the Canadian Corps. During the war, nearby Headley Heath was also used as a training ground for engineers building airstrips and trench systems then demolishing them again.
The site was purchased after World War II with money from the Royal Air Force Pilots and Crews Fund; a public collection as a tribute to the deeds. including the Battle of Britain efforts of the RAF Since the war, it has been used as a Royal Air Force and Joint Military Services medical rehabilitation centre, which aims to return all those service personnel injured or seriously ill to full fitness.
In July 2014, the Minister of Defence at the time, Philip Hammond, announced that the services provided by Headley Court would be transferred to a new centre to be developed at Stanford Hall. Loughborough The opening of the new Defence and National Rehabilitation Centre by the Duke of Cambridge took place in June 2018. The centre at Headley Court ceased operations in September 2018.
The Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre is situated on the Stanford Hall Estate.
DMRC Stanford Hall is run by the Ministry of Defence. It forms part of Defence Medical Services and its patients are serving members of the Armed Forces.
The DMRC is run by a Commanding Officer and its professional staff comprises both members of the Armed Forces alongside civilians employed by the MoD replicating the model that worked so well for over 70 years at Headley Court.
DMRC Stanford Hall is an entirely bespoke facility with enhanced rehabilitation facilities in many areas. It combines the latest technology with proven therapy, providing buildings and spaces specially designed to aid the recovery process and deliver the specific functions of rehabilitation medicine.
DMRC Stanford Hall contains gyms, a range of swimming and hydrotherapy pools, a gait lab and all the elements essential for its clinical purpose. That purpose includes rehabilitation of the most seriously injured members of the Armed Forces and also, importantly, returning those who have been injured in the course of service back to duty or supporting transition into civilian life.
The design of the building and the architecture have been carefully thought through to match very precisely to the clinical needs of patients and best rehabilitation practice. The facility includes carefully crafted courtyards which serve a clinical purpose as well as being pleasing in their own right, areas for social integration and places for relaxation.
Gp Capt Myhill joined the RAF as a dentist in 2003. She delivered clinical care to patients in various locations across the UK and whilst on operations in Iraq for over 10 years, before embarking on a career with more of a focus on policy, future healthcare delivery and leadership of all aspects of Defence Primary Healthcare. Appointed as Chief Dental Officer (RAF) in May 2022, she held a Royal appointment as the King’s Honorary Dental Surgeon until Jul 2025, alongside her current role as Commanding Officer Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre from Sep 2023.
“It is an absolute honour to be a Trustee of the charity having seen first-hand the benefits to patients, as part of the holistic approach to their rehabilitation pathway, as well as to the staff who care for those who serve their country.”
Helenis a founder and Chief Executive Officer of Loughborough Wellbeing Centre, a mental health charity supporting adults with enduring mental health issues. She has recently set up the Veterans Wellbeing Hub at the centre which will provide support for Veterans mental health and wellbeing.Helen has worked in various Civil Service roles in her career as well as serving in the Royal Military Police and experience of operational tours.
Renata is a senior executive with expertise in biomedical sciences, defence medicine and humanitarian health. As the Chief Scientific Officer at NHS Blood and Transplant, she supports one of the UK’s largest healthcare science workforces, advancing clinical innovation and research to improve outcomes, secure supply resilience and accelerate innovation.
She is also a Professor of Veterans’ Health and Biomedical Research, contributing to pioneering studies on conflict, rehabilitation and long-term health in service personnel and veterans. As an experienced humanitarian worker, Renata has operated in austere environments including war zones supporting health and rehabilitation delivery.
She has delivered multi-million research and development portfolios, secured major grants, and built partnerships with NATO, foreign governments, and global academia. Holding a PhD in Regenerative Medicine, and an Executive Mater’s in Health Economics, Management and Outcomes, Renata is also a Chartered Director. Renata specialises in translating scientific and healthcare evidence into policy and practice, with measurable impact on day-to-day lives.
Craig Haslam served 16 years as a Royal Marine after joining at 17 years old. He served the remainder of his career in the Special Forces before being medically discharged in 2017 after 27 years of military service.
Whilst training for an Ironman in 2015, Craig was involved in a life altering road traffic accident after being hit by a car whilst riding his bicycle. He sustained a myriad of injuries, including a brain injury, and was admitted to the amazing care of the trauma unit at DMRC.
DMRC were instrumental in Craigs rehabilitation and he was humbled by the way that the staff looked after him and aided in his rehabilitation and recovery. The Rehabilitation of injured serving personal is unique and complex. Being a member of the armed forces is more than a career choice, their occupation is intricately tied to their identity. This means that even when seriously ill or injured, most military personal are still prioritising work and their colleagues above their own wellbeing. Looking back on that time Craig is overwhelmed at how the staff had his best interests at heart even when he didn’t, he just wanted to get back to work! Craig credits the diverse, tailored and immersive rehabilitation he received with his recovery.
Craig has passion for supporting charities and the wider military and veteran community. He has supported the Bowra Foundation, the SBSA and in 2019 he raised a substantial amount of money for DMRC Benevolent fund with a solo charity cycle ride.
After adjusting to being a civilian and a small business owner over the last few years, Craig felt that he was now able to give a larger commitment to DMRC Benevolent fund and applied to become a trustee. Craig is looking forward to serving with the rest of the board in his first position as a trustee.
Major Oliver O’Sullivan joined the British Army as a Medical Cadet in 2009 whilst a medical school undergraduate at the University of Liverpool Medical School. Upon graduation, he undertook house jobs in Birmingham under the Royal Centre for Defence Medicine, before Phase 1 & 2 training, and subsequent posting to 1 Armoured Medical Regiment, Paderborn, Germany in 2015. Returning to the UK in 2017, he underwent Core Medical Training in Portsmouth, supported by Joint Medical Group (South).
In 2019, Maj O’Sullivan joined the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre (DMRC) Stanford Hall as a Specialty Registrar in Rehabilitation and Rheumatology. He supported, and benefited from, the DMRC Benevolent Fund, and took up a position on the committee as the Treasurer in August 2020. Working as a clinician at DMRC Stanford Hall, alongside his work on the committee, allows him to see the benefits in action, as well as new opportunities for the benefit of staff and patients across the site.
Maj O’Sullivan is married with two young children (and a third on the way), owns a cocker spaniel, and enjoys long distance running, reading and all manner of sport when he has the time.
Lt Col Clarke joined the Royal Marines in 1987, specialising as a Physical Training Instructor and Exercise Rehabilitation Instructor. After leaving the RM, he became a qualified Physiotherapist and joined the Army in 2005 working at DMRC in 2007/8, again in 2015 and is currently the Professional Lead Advisor for Physiotherapy. He joined the charity committee in 2016 and has been a Trustee since 2019. “I see 1st hand the positive benefit the charity brings to our patients and staff, enhancing the rehabilitation experience of our patients and supporting them to meet and overcome the complex challenges along their rehabilitation pathway. Being a part of a charity that delivers directly in support of DMRC is incredibly rewarding and I’m immensely proud of the all the volunteers that run this charity at the heart of military rehabilitation.”
Nicola Norville MBE is the Fundraising Manger for the DMRC Benevolent Fund. She holds this position as a volunteer in addition to her full time clinical role as Lead Speech and Language Therapist at DMRC Stanford Hall. Nicola has been actively involved with the DMRC Benevolent Fund since starting work at DMRC in 2009 and formalised her charity position by joining the committee in 2017.
George joined the charity as development and events manager in April 2020 upon leaving the Royal Marines in March 2020 after 39 years of service.
He joined the Royal Marines in 1981 and served a range of military appointments before taking the role of Military Liaison Office for Headley Court in 2013. He transitioned with the role to Stanford Hall in 2018. Post Headley Court he completed operational tours of Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan. His role as Military Liaison Office Headley Court he would see 1st hand the impact the Benevolent Fund had in supporting the patients and staff of the DMRC. In 2014 he volunteered to take the committee role as patient advocate until leaving service in 2020 a role he was immensely proud of.
George joined the charity as Charity Development and Events Manager in March 2020 following a 39 year career in the Royal Marines.
George joined the Royal Marines in 1981 and served a range of military appointments before taking the role of Military Liaison Officer at Headley Court in 2013. He transitioned his role during the relocation of Headley Court to DMRC Stanford Hall in 2018.
Prior to arriving at Headley Court he completed operational tours of Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan. During his role as Military Liaison Officer at Headley Court he saw first hand the impact the DMRC Benevolent Fund had in supporting the patients and staff on unit.
In 2014 he volunteered to take a DMRC Benevolent Fund committee role as Patient Advocate and held this position until leaving service in 2020. This final role is something he remains immensely proud of.
Lucy is a Senior Associate at the City law firm, Bates Wells, where she specialises in advising charities and social enterprises, including many armed forces charities. She has held a number of trustee roles, latterly on the board of a charity supporting prisoners in England and Wales.
Group Captain Rowley joined the regular Royal Air Force in 1994 and is presently serving as Commanding Officer to the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre at Stanford Hall. A member of the RAF Medical Support Officer branch, his background is predominately focussed within the operational medical planning domain, complemented with completion of several other senior healthcare executive appointments within both the RAF and Defence Medical Services. He has deployed operationally to Iraq, Afghanistan, Oman and in support of the Libya conflict.
Maj Matt Perkins is the previous treasurer of the DMRC Benevolent Fund (2016-2020) and now sits as one of our board of trustees. He has been with the charity since before we grew and became a CIO(F).
An Army physiotherapy officer with experience across international Sport and Defence healthcare both at home and on operations.
Matt has served at RRU Halton, PCRF Bordon, RRU Aldershot, RRU Catterick, RM Poole, responsible for treatment and medical management in support to UKSF, ATR Winchester responsible for initial phase 1 training. Following promotion, he was posted to DMRC Headley Court, joining the charity and serving as OC Spec rehab, followed by OC Lower Limbs and was part of the transition to DMRC Stanford Hall. Following this he moved to PCRF Chilwell and now is serving in British Army, Germany, re-establishing PCRF Sennelager as part of the enduring presence left as part of the NATO mounting Base.
He has deployed to Afghanistan, Falkland Islands and various locations in Europe, Middle east and USA support of UK operations.
Hamish is a land agent and the founding director of Greenacre Rural, a specialist consultancy company advising land and property owners across the UK.
Being from a military family, Hamish has been involved in supporting the DMRC Benevolent Fund since moving to Stanford Hall in 2018 and was appointed a Trustee in 2025.
Peter Corbett is a retired accountant and became a trustee of DMRC Benevolent Fund in 2020.
After training as a Chartered Accountant with a large London firm, he held senior financial and general management positions in the UK, USA and Europe and in the private, public and third sectors.
Peter also has 12 years experience as a charity trustee across various sectors including health, housing and disability. Married with 4 children and 2 grandchildren (so far!) , he grew up in Bolton and continues to be a Bolton Wanderers supporter but now lives in Epsom.
Lt Col Clarke joined the Royal Marines in 1987, specialising as a Physical Training Instructor and Exercise Rehabilitation Instructor. After leaving the RM, he became a qualified Physiotherapist and joined the Army in 2005 working at DMRC in 2007/8, again in 2015 and is currently the Professional Lead Advisor for Physiotherapy.
He joined the charity committee in 2016 and has been a Trustee since 2019. “I see 1st hand the positive benefit the charity brings to our patients and staff, enhancing the rehabilitation experience of our patients and supporting them to meet and overcome the complex challenges along their rehabilitation pathway. Being a part of a charity that delivers directly in support of DMRC is incredibly rewarding and I’m immensely proud of the all the volunteers that run this charity at the heart of military rehabilitation.”
The Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre (DMRC) Benevolent Fund welcomes a new Chair and new Trustees. This marks a chapter of refreshed purpose, partnership and dedication in enhancing the rehabilitation and well-being of serving members of the UK Armed Forces.
We are delighted to introduce Professor Renata Gomes as the new Chair. An internationally recognised leader in biomedical sciences, defence medicine and humanitarian health, Renata brings extensive experience in research innovation, veterans’ health and rehabilitation within complex environments. Her commitment to service and her passion for improving recovery outcomes will guide the charity into its next era of growth and impact.
Joining her on the Board are Hamish Byers and Liam Bradley Atkins. Hamish brings strategic insight from his work in rural property, estate development and renewable energy. Liam adds broad operational and leadership experience paired with a strong dedication to the Armed Forces community. Lieutenant Colonel Tim Clarke, a long-serving Trustee who, alongside the former Chair, led the charity through its transition to CIO(F) status, now steps into the role of Deputy Chair. He brings continuity, deep organisational understanding and steady, experienced leadership.
As we welcome new leadership, we also extend our sincere thanks to Major Matt Perkins and Craig Haslam. Matt concludes his tenure as Chair after nine years, guiding the charity through significant changes to its operations, matching the needs of beneficiaries in peace, conflict, and COVID. His calm leadership and clinical expertise ensured the charity remained resilient and focused on supporting those most in need. Craig, stepping down as Trustee and Deputy Chair, has made a lasting contribution through his operational, training and leadership insight, helping strengthen the charity’s governance and strategic direction.
“I want to express my sincere appreciation for the exceptional leadership shown by Matt Perkins. Matt remained calm, collected and tireless during some of the most demanding periods for military rehabilitation, ensuring the charity was consistently ready to support those most in need. It is truly inspiring to see the outstanding work the charity delivers every day, driven by a highly active, exceptionally high-quality volunteer model. The dedication of these volunteers is extraordinary. It is a privilege to build on such a strong and meaningful legacy.”
DMRC Benevolent Fund continues to be present when it is most needed, standing alongside injured service personnel and enhancing the world-class rehabilitation delivered at DMRC Stanford Hall. DMRC hugely benefits from the additional experiences, equipment and wellbeing initiatives the charity provides that elevate rehabilitation from clinical treatment to a fully holistic recovery experience.
“The relationship between DMRC Stanford Hall and DMRC Benevolent Fund is truly synergistic. Together, we create an environment where rehabilitation is strengthened, patient experience is enriched, and recovery outcomes are measurably improved. The charity’s support allows us to deliver holistic, patient-centred care that ensures normalisation in a way which enhances health, wellbeing and independence in an incredibly positive way.”
“It is an honour to continue serving DMRC Benevolent Fund in this new capacity. We are building on a strong foundation of dedication and compassion. Our shared focus remains clear: ensuring every individual at DMRC receives the opportunity, support and care they need to thrive in their rehabilitation.”
The DMRC Benevolent Fund enhances the rehabilitation experience of serving personnel at DMRC Stanford Hall by funding amenities, activities, equipment and wellbeing initiatives that lie outside statutory provision. This output makes a vital difference to the recovery journey. Together, we continue to help individuals rebuild strength, confidence and independence. If you would like to learn more about our work please email info@dmrcbenfund.org.uk and visit us at https://dmrcbenfund.org.uk/.