Emilia Clarke at Variety's Power of Women London
Emilia Clarke on Moving Forward After Surviving Two Brain Hemorrhages: ‘Recovery Is as Important as Survival’.
Emilia Clarke speaks about brain injury recovery at Variety's Power of Women London
June 2026
SameYou founder Emilia Clarke delivered a powerful and deeply personal speech at Variety's Power of Women London, reflecting on the lasting impact of surviving two brain haemorrhages in her twenties and why brain injury recovery remains so important to her today.
Speaking about the years following her brain injuries, Emilia described the emotional and psychological challenges she faced after leaving hospital, including the fear, uncertainty and isolation that many survivors experience during recovery.
Emilia suffered her first brain haemorrhage at the age of 22, shortly after filming the first season of Game of Thrones, followed by a second haemorrhage two years later. While she was able to continue her acting career, she spoke candidly about the invisible impact of brain injury and how long it took to fully understand what she had been through.
During her speech, Emilia highlighted an issue that remains at the heart of SameYou's mission: recovery does not end when someone leaves hospital.
Too many brain injury survivors and their families face a lack of ongoing rehabilitation, emotional support and community connection at a time when they need it most. This is the gap SameYou was created to help address.
Founded by Emilia and her mother, Jenny Clarke, in 2019, SameYou works to improve recovery outcomes for brain injury survivors through rehabilitation programmes, peer support initiatives, family support and research partnerships.
Today, SameYou continues to develop and fund programmes that help survivors rebuild confidence, independence and connection after brain injury, while advocating for greater recognition of the long-term impact recovery can have on every aspect of a person's life.
Reflecting on her own experience, Emilia reminded the audience that recovery is about much more than survival. It is about helping people regain their sense of self, rebuild their lives and access the support they need to move forward.
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