The Big trek

This September I’m walking 1,200 km across four home nations to raise money and awareness for Headway - the brain injury association.

On August 28, 1999, I was involved in a serious road traffic accident where my dreams were taken from me, and my life was rewritten.

Driving home from a wedding, my wheel hit the curb and the car flipped onto its side. I 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 me. When the emergency services arrived, they initially thought I was dead. I suffered significant physical injuries including a serious traumatic brain injury.

My loved ones were told I may never wake up and if I did, I may not recognise anyone, walk, or talk again. But when I did finally wake up, I was determined to defy the odds and learned to walk again. Now I am bringing that same unshakable determination to a new challenge.

The Big Trek

· 1,200 miles

· 4 castles in each of the home nations

· 42 days (approximately)

There is no better place to start than the Home of The Traitors, Ardross Castle in Scotland!

I'll trek down to Lancaster Castle in England, before heading across to Carrickfergus Castle in Northern Ireland. I'll then head back across the water walking down through Wales before arriving home at Cardiff Castle.

This is a phenomenal challenge, and I will need each and every one of you behind me as I face it.

Why Headway – the brain injury association?

The physical injuries from my accident were horrendous, but the worst thing for me was the psychological effects and mental illness I suffered after my brain injury.

The work Headway does is incredible and it’s what I wanted to use my 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 now.

Thank you

Thank you for all of your support and donations. You can follow my training and progress throughout the event right here on my givestar page.

The Big Trek event is organised by a supporter in aid of Headway – the brain injury association. The Headway staff team have supported the event organiser, but the charity is not responsible for the event itself. There are costs associated with the delivery of the event and have been raised by the organisers through corporate sponsorship. All donations received through the fundraising platform go directly to Headway the brain injury association.