BBC The Traitors star Andrew Jenkins
Andrew Jenkins is a familiar face to many after appearing in series 2 of the BBC TV reality show The Traitors, where he was a popular finalist.
During his time on the show, Andrew shared his personal experiences of being a brain injury survivor following a catastrophic car crash in 1999. In the weeks that followed the crash, Andrew died, went into a coma, had a stroke, had titanium plates fitted into his head and caught the killer bug MRSA. There were many times he wasn’t expected to survive, and Andrew was also told he would never walk again.
But Andrew defied the odds and has found a new purpose in sharing his inspiring story with others. He will be doing so as part of A Life Re-written, which runs during Action for Brain Injury Week (ABI Week) 20th - 26th May.
ABI Week: A Life Re-written
The campaign will explore identity after brain injury and tell the stories of brain injury survivors who have successfully rebuilt their lives. However, A Life Re-written will also outline the realities of life post-brain injury and how positive outcomes aren’t always the norm.
Andrew, who once dreamt of playing rugby for Wales, said: “I hit rock bottom 23 years ago, facing huge challenges both physically and mentally. My rugby dream was taken from me, but my life now is great. I have a good job, a great family, and an amazing son. I am fit and healthy.
I want to share my story with people and inspire them. I don’t want them to look at me and think I'm a hero or, ‘Wow, this guy is strong.’ I want to explain to them how I overcame adversity and made my life what it is today and give them hope that you can go through difficult times and overcome them.”
As well as sharing his own story as part of the campaign, Andrew has spoken to brain injury survivors Alison, David, Liz and Liz’s daughter Justina about how all their lives were re-written after brain injury. The videos, including Andrew’s story, will be released on Headway – the brain injury association’s website and social media channels during May’s ABI Week.
Andrew added:
“Headway – the brain injury association is an amazing charity doing amazing things to help people rebuild their lives after brain injury. I’m delighted to support this year’s Action for Brain Injury Week and help tell the story of others who have had their lives re-written by brain injury.”Back
