Finalist of the popular BBC show, Andrew will walk 1200km over the next 42 days to raise funds for Headway – the brain injury association. It is thought to be the first charity trek along this particular route.
The epic trek will begin at Ardross Castle - the famous Scottish castle used to film The Traitors, and end in his home city at Cardiff Castle in November. His journey will include stops at Lancaster Castle in England and Carrickfergus Castle in Northern Ireland, covering all four home nations.
It marks a major milestone for Andrew who was told - following a serious road accident when he was aged 21 - that he may never walk again.
Andrew sustained a serious brain injury in the accident and was unable to continue his promising rugby career, however, he was described by doctors as a ‘miracle patient’ after making a full recovery.
Now, 25 years later, Andrew is walking to fundraise for Headway to support the vital work we do in helping people with brain injuries and their families.
He’s also using the walk to raise awareness of mental health challenges, for men in particular, having experienced periods of poor mental health himself over many years. During the trek Andrew plans to do talks on wellbeing and mental health to a series of sports and community groups along the route.
Andrew said:
“Headway does incredible work to support survivors of brain injuries and their families as it can have a huge impact on all of their lives too as my family and I found out following my accident….and I’m delighted to be able to raise awareness and funds for their vital work through the trek.
“I’m also undertaking this challenge for everyone out there who has been told they can’t do something, who think they can’t achieve anything, and who have lost their self-belief. I want to show them that even though life can feel impossibly hard at times, there’s always a way forward - literally one step after the next can take you a long way.
“And I want to show people that talking about how we feel helps us move through the challenging times, as well as showing others who might be feeling the same that they are not alone.”
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.
“We are proud to have Andrew champion our cause and I’m sure his journey will give hope and inspiration to other brain injury survivors."
Charity donations can be made via Andrew’s Givestar page.
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