In April 2006 Duncan was demonstrating a hand flare for the purpose of a training video. When he fired the flare, instead of firing into the air and away from Duncan it backfired into his abdomen. This caused significant damage to Duncan’s right hand and abdomen and he was admitted Wexham Park Hospital where he remained for nine months.
Following his accident, which left Duncan in significant pain and unable to return to work, Paul McNeil was instructed to bring a claim against the manufacturers of the flare, Pains Wessex. Paul McNeil brought a claim under the Consumer Protection Act 1997. The claim was settled with Pains Wessex admitting full liability. Duncan received a substantial sum in compensation.
Despite his injuries Duncan was determined to raise money for the Intensive Care Unit that treated him and has spent the last six months raising money. Family, friends and well wishers helped get the fund started, with support from the Chiltern Shakespeare Company, who donated the profit from the summer show of a Midsummer Night’s Dream. Duncan raised money through arranging and performing in a song and dance evening and hosting a summer ball.
Paul McNeil said: “We are very impressed by all of the fundraising that Duncan has undertaken. The severity of his injuries meant that he had to be on a ventilator for much of his stay at Wexham Park. The work that he has done means that the hospital will be able to buy an extra ventilator and three new portable ventilators - a great achievement.”