Following the program “Britain’s Tourette’s Mystery” that was aired on C4 last week which contained many inaccurate and misleading facts, Tourette’s Action UK has issues the following press release
Response by Tourette's Action to the Channel 4 documentary 'Britain's Tourettes Mystery'
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I Swear Trailer Released: A True Tourette Syndrome Story Featuring Neupulse
The official trailer for I Swear, directed by BAFTA-nominated filmmaker Kirk Jones, has just been released and it’s nothing short of powerful. Set for release in UK cinemas on 10 October 2025, I Swear tells the extraordinary true story of John Davidson, a campaigner, speaker, and inspiration for the Tourette Syndrome community. For Neupulse, this movie is deeply personal on a few levels. Not only is John’s story close to our mission, but excitingly our technology also features in the film. A Story That Needed to Be Told The film charts John Davidson’s journey from a misunderstood teenager in a small Scottish town to an outspoken advocate for people living with Tourette Syndrome. Diagnosed at age 15, John faced isolation, ridicule, and even the threat of institutionalisation, at a time when very few understood what Tourette Syndrome actually was. His vocal and motor tics started to have a huge impact on his daily life, often misunderstood by peers, teachers, and even healthcare professionals. But I Swear isn’t just about struggle, it’s about resilience. It’s about the humour, heart, and community that helped John thrive despite the odds. It’s about finding the strength to live loudly and authentically. A Glimpse Into John’s World The official trailer, distributed by the film company StudioCanal, introduces us to John (played by Robert Aramayo) as a teenager trying to make sense of his rapidly changing body and mind. Highlighted in the trailer are situations John finds himself in time and time again. His tics affecting his home life, school, work and his place in the wider world. Amongst all these snapshots we see the full range of emotions that can come with tics. Anger, pain, rejection, humour, and so much more. As a viewer it's a rollercoaster too, being pulled between laughter (“Spunk for milk!”) and tears, the trailer perfectly setting the tone of a film that attempts to walk some fine lines. The film doesn’t shy away from John’s emotional struggles, but nor does it reduce him to them. This is a full, nuanced portrayal of a young man navigating misunderstanding and self-discovery. His story becomes not only one of survival but of transformation. A Stellar Line-up of British Talent Taking on the lead role is Robert Aramayo, best known for his performances in The Rings of Power and The King’s Man. Aramayo reportedly spent time with John Davidson and his family in Galashiels to understand his personality and mannerisms. His portrayal is already earning praise for its depth and sensitivity. Joining Aramayo are screen icons Maxine Peake as Dottie Achenbach, one of John’s key supporters. Shirley Henderson plays his mother Heather Davidson. The cast is rounded out by Peter Mullan, playing Tommy Trotter, a compassionate teacher who becomes instrumental in John’s life. This combination of talent, lived experience, and genuine heart gives I Swear the authenticity and emotional punch it needs. The Vision of Kirk Jones Director and writer Kirk Jones is no stranger to stories with heart. Known for hits like Waking Ned, Nanny McPhee, and My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2, Jones brings his signature warmth and understated humour to this emotionally charged script. Jones was reportedly moved by John Davidson’s story after watching a BBC documentary about him years ago. From there, he worked closely with John and his family to develop a screenplay that honoured their journey while making the story accessible to a wider audience. TS in the Spotlight One of the film’s most important achievements is its accurate, layered portrayal of Tourette Syndrome, a condition so often reduced to a punchline in popular culture. Instead of focusing only on coprolalia (the involuntary swearing many people wrongly assume defines the condition), I Swear digs into the daily experience of living with a neurological disorder that affects speech, movement, and self-image. It explores the impact not just on John, but on the people around him. For viewers unfamiliar with Tourette Syndrome, the film is an education. For those living with TS, it’s a representation of some of the challenges faced. And for everyone watching, it’s a call to empathy. Neupulse Part Of The Story We’re so proud to share that Neupulse plays a role in I Swear. Without revealing too much, we can confirm that our wearable neurotechnology - designed to help manage tics in people with Tourette Syndrome - is featured in the film. John has been a vital part of our journey at Neupulse. His insight, experience, and unfiltered honesty, along with other members of the TS community, has shaped the way we think about support, accessibility, and the lived experience of those with Tourette Syndrome. Why This Film Matters Representation in media matters. When real, honest stories are told, with empathy, humour, and respect, they have the power to shift public perception and inspire real change. I Swear is more than a film. It’s a testament to what happens when someone refuses to be silenced. It’s a reminder that behind every medical condition is a human being with dreams, fears, jokes, and stories to tell. And it’s a celebration of the progress being made, from outdated treatments and harmful stigma to innovation, visibility and hope. At Neupulse, we believe in empowering people with Tourette Syndrome, not just with devices, but with dignity. That’s why this film feels so important to us. Popcorn At The Ready We can't wait to watch the movie! The trailer for I Swear sets the stage for what promises to be one of the most moving and necessary British films of the year. With a talented cast, an acclaimed director, and a story grounded in truth, it’s a must-see for anyone who believes in the power of storytelling to drive change. We’re incredibly proud that Neupulse is part of this cinematic journey. We’ll be sharing more about how we feature in the film, and what it means for the community, in the coming months. Let us know what you think of the trailer and what moments stood out most. We’d love to hear from you. #ISwearFilm #Neupulse #TourettesAwareness #Neurodiversity #JohnDavidson #NeupulseInFilm
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Tourettes Action Launches #Misunderstood Campaign
From May 15th to June 15th, Tourettes Action (TA) is leading a powerful national campaign to shine a light on the reality of living with Tourette Syndrome (TS). Their boldest initiative yet, #Misunderstood, calls on everyone to reframe their understanding of TS and stand alongside the 300,000+ people in the UK affected by this often misjudged condition. Despite affecting 1 in 100 school-aged children – on par with Autism and epilepsy – Tourette Syndrome remains one of the most misunderstood neurological conditions. Too often, it’s reduced to inaccurate stereotypes or seen only through the lens of swearing. The truth is far more complex. TS is a lifelong, genetically based neurological condition that impacts both children and adults in deeply personal ways. A Campaign Rooted in Real Stories and Shared Voices The #Misunderstood campaign centres around a stirring music video that reimagines Nina Simone’s “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood.” Featuring 18-year-old Grace Cope and a choir of individuals living with TS, the film captures what it feels like to navigate daily life with the condition, including moments of frustration, strength, humour and resilience. “This is our most ambitious campaign yet,” said Emma McNally, CEO of Tourettes Action. “It’s not just about raising awareness. It’s about changing the story. For too long, people with TS have been judged or dismissed. We’re here to show the humanity behind the tics and invite the public to listen, learn and stand with us.” For Grace, who leads the choir in the video, the campaign is deeply personal: “Behind every tic is a person with dreams, talents, humour and heart. I hope that by sharing my story, more people can understand what Tourette’s really is and what it isn’t.” The choir members each bring their own story, united by a shared message. Understanding replaces stigma. For Billy Lockett, a The Voice finalist from Northamptonshire, the experience of singing with the choir was “wholesome and comforting,” showing just how powerful community can be. Their stories are honest, raw and moving. They remind us all that TS is more than a diagnosis – it’s a lived experience filled with challenge and strength, frustration and joy. Why Neupulse Supports This Campaign At Neupulse, we’re proud to support the mission of Tourettes Action. Like them, we believe that greater awareness leads to greater understanding and better support for those with TS. Our work developing non-invasive, wearable technology to help manage the symptoms of TS is driven by the same goals. Empowerment, dignity, and choice. We know that real change happens not just through innovation, but through empathy. That’s why campaigns like #Misunderstood matter. They humanise the condition, highlight the voices of people with TS and encourage all of us to listen more, judge less, and be more inclusive. How You Can Help Whether you live with TS, know someone who does, or are just beginning to learn, you can play a role this Tourette’s Awareness Month. Watch and share the #Misunderstood campaign film Use the hashtag #Misunderstood on social media to spread the message Host a conversation in your workplace or classroom Support the work of Tourettes Action through donations or volunteering Every action helps break down stigma and build a more understanding society. Visit Tourette's Action here to find out more about getting involved.
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Neupulse Attends Launch of N3 Centre for Neurotechnology, Neuromodulation and Neurotherapeutics
The University of Nottingham proudly celebrated the official opening of its Centre for Neurotechnology, Neuromodulation and Neurotherapeutics (N3), a major new initiative set to transform the future of brain health through cutting-edge innovation. The launch event, held on campus this week, brought together scientists and researchers from the centres team for insightful and inspiring talks about what the future holds. The N3 Centre marks a new chapter in brain health research and development, uniting world-class expertise in neurotechnology to accelerate the creation of devices that diagnose, manage and treat conditions such as Tourette Syndrome, dementia, depression and psychosis. The Centre builds on Nottingham’s global reputation in brain imaging and neuroscience and aims to translate scientific breakthroughs into real-world impact. As part of the event, attendees had the unique opportunity to preview our soon-to-be-released device, which uses non-invasive electrical stimulation to modulate brain activity and reduce tic severity. The Neupulse team was on hand to demonstrate the technology and answer questions. The N3 Centre will drive research across a range of exciting areas including state-of-the-art brain imaging, low-intensity ultrasound stimulation, closed-loop neuromodulation and wearable brain scanners. A key focus is making these technologies accessible and non-invasive, moving beyond traditional deep brain stimulation techniques to deliver safer, scalable alternatives. Director of the Centre and one of the Neupulse founders, Professor Stephen Jackson, addressed the audience, highlighting the urgent need for innovation in brain healthcare. With continued support from United Kingdom Research and Innovation (UKRI), the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) and leading research networks and with groundbreaking companies like Neupulse and Cerca Magnetics actively contributing to the ecosystem, the N3 Centre is positioned to be a national leader in advancing neurotechnology. The event was a powerful demonstration of the university’s and Neupulse's commitment to innovation, collaboration and improving lives. It set the tone for a future where brain health solutions are smarter, safer and more accessible to all. You can find out more about the N3 Centre here.
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