Traitors star Andrew Jenkins to take on big trek for brain injury charity
The Welshman will embark on a 1,200km walk across the UK this September
Welshman Andrew Jenkins, a recent finalist on the TV show The Traitors, is set to take on a 1,200km fundraising walk for a brain injury charity.
Called 'The Big Trek', Andrew will be aiming to raise funds and awareness for Headway by walking between castles in the UK.
He will start from Ardross Castle in Scotland, where The Traitors was filmed, down to Cardiff Castle in his home city.
His journey will also include stops at Lancaster Castle in England and Carrickfergus Castle in Northern Ireland, covering all four home nations.
Andrew said: "I've got to walk a near marathon a day, every day, for 35 days roughly. The mental side is going to be tough but I like to think I'm quite tough mentally.
"I'm just going to think of my purpose, my why, how many people's lives I'm changing, the people I'm helping - that's going to push me through the dark days when I'm feeling down.
"I want to show people who've suffered a brain injury, a trauma, or suffer with their mental health, that they can achieve great things. For me to complete this, is really, really important."
During The Traitors, Andrew disclosed his near-fatal car crash in 1999, in which he sustained a severe brain injury.
Doctors initially told his parents that he would never walk again and might no even wake from his coma. Against all odds, Andrew made a miraculous recovery.
Andrew's appearance on The Traitors not only highlighted his 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.