We are honoured to support Andrew Jenkins as he embarks on The Big Trek, by walking 1,200 km across the four home nations to raise money and awareness for Headway - the brain injury association, starting this September.
The Big Trek consists of 1,200km, 4 castles in each of the home nations all within 42 days (approximately).
Starting in the home of The Traitors, Ardross Castle in Scotland, he'll trek down to Lancaster Castle in England, before heading across to Carrickfergus Castle in Northern Ireland. Andrew will then head back across the water walking down through Wales before arriving home at Cardiff Castle.This is a phenomenal challenge, and he will need each and every one of you behind me as he faces it.
Any support you can give Andrew will be greatly appreciated.
On August 28, 1999, Andrew was involved in a serious road traffic accident where his dreams were taken from him, and his life was rewritten. Driving home from a wedding, his wheel hit the curb and the car flipped onto its side. Andrew was thrown out of the driver’s window and dragged along the floor for a couple of hundred yards before the car finished sliding, leaning on top of him. When the emergency services arrived, they initially thought Andrew was dead.
He suffered significant physical injuries including a serious traumatic brain injury. His loved ones were told he may never wake up and if he did, he may not recognise anyone, walk, or talk again. But when Andrew did finally wake up, he was determined to defy the odds and learned to walk again. Now he is bringing that same unshakable determination to a new challenge.
The physical injuries from Andrew's accident were horrendous, but the worst thing for him were the psychological effects and mental illness he suffered after my brain injury.
The work Headway does is incredible and it’s what Andrew wanted to use his platform for, to show people you can lead a normal life after a traumatic experience or a brain injury. Keep believing in yourself! We have set an ambitious fundraising target of £250,000 and this money will make a huge impact on the lives of people affected by brain injury.
Jen Murgatroyd, Headway’s Director of Fundraising said "We are immensely grateful for Andrew’s dedication and efforts in taking on this challenge for Headway. The money raised will go towards things like our Emergency Fund that helps family members be at the bedside of their loved one in critical care, or our nurse-led helpline that provides essential information and emotional support to brain injury survivors and their families.”
Please show your support by making a donation and leaving your words of encouragement on Andrew's social pages.