Earlier this year, Andrew captivated audiences as he disclosed his near-fatal car crash in 1999. Feared dead at the side of the road, Andrew had sustained a severe brain injury, and doctors initially told his parents he would never walk again and might not even wake from his coma. Against all odds, Andrew made a miraculous recovery, being described as a "miracle patient."
Called ‘The Big Trek’, Andrew, who championed Headway's A Life Re-written campaign, will raise funds and awareness for Headway by walking between castles in the UK. Starting from Ardross Castle in Scotland where The Traitors was filmed, down to Cardiff Castle in his home city. His journey will include stops at Lancaster Castle in England and Carrickfergus Castle in Northern Ireland, covering all four home nations.
Reflecting on his journey, Andrew said, “I defied the grim prognosis given by doctors after spending four weeks in a coma.
“Despite the predictions of severe brain damage and permanent disability, I not only regained consciousness but was able to walk and talk.
“Some of the physical injuries I had were horrendous, but the worst thing for me was the psychological impact of my accident and the challenges around mental health.
“That’s why I’m taking on this challenge, to raise money and awareness of the impact of brain injury and dealing with trauma and mental health challenges.”
Andrew's appearance on The Traitors not only highlighted his incredible recovery but also shed light on the mental health challenges he faced. His journey aims to inspire others by talking about trauma and the importance of addressing mental health openly and Andrew will be putting his advice into practice by talking to different groups about mental health during his trek.
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.”
Andrew's walk will start on September 29 and is expected to take approximately 42 days.
Supporters can contribute to his cause by donating at Andrew’s Givestar page.
Partnership opportunities
Watch this message from Andrew to find out more!
Video
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on the 29th of September I'm going to Embark in my biggest physical and mental challenge yet I'm going to be walking over 1,200 km across four home Nations I'm going to be walking over a marathon a day to help raise funds in Awareness for brain injury everywhere in the UK over 350,000 people are hospitalized due to a brain injury the funds are raised will go directly to Headway who help and support survivors and families who've been affected by brain injury I'm looking for commercial partners and Brands to come on board and to be spotlighted throughout the campaign if you're interested in coming on board and making an impact to people's lives
please get in touch you can either DM me or send me an email I will be launching my give start sponsorship page very shortly look out for that too
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