A Traitors star is embarking on a huge 1200km charity trek from the Scots castle that featured in the popular BBC show. Andrew Jenkins, a finalist on the hit programme, will begin his adventure at Ardross Castle. Over the next 42 days, he will walk 1200km to raise funds for Headway – the brain injury association. Andrew’s impressive feat includes stops at Lancaster Castle in England and Carrickfergus Castle in Northern Ireland before finishing in his hometown at Cardiff Castle, covering all four home nations.
This marks a major milestone for Andrew, who was once told that he may never walk again following a serious road accident at the age of 21. Sustaining a serious brain injury in the accident, Andrew was unable to continue his promising rugby career. However, he defied the odds and made a full recovery, earning the title of a ‘miracle patient.’ Now, 25 years later, Andrew is undertaking this charity trek to fundraise for Headway and support their work in helping people with brain injuries and their families.
In addition to raising funds, Andrew aims to raise awareness of mental health challenges, especially for men, as he has personally faced periods of poor mental health over the years. Along the trek, Andrew plans to give talks on wellbeing and mental health to various sports and community groups along the route. He expressed his determination to support Headway and inspire others who may have lost their self-belief, showing that even in difficult times, there is always a way forward – one step at a time.
Jen Murgatroyd, Headway’s Director of Fundraising, expressed gratitude for Andrew’s dedication to the cause. The funds raised from the charity trek will support essential services like the Emergency Fund, providing aid to family members of critically ill patients, and the nurse-led helpline offering crucial support to brain injury survivors and their families. Murgatroyd believes Andrew’s journey will bring hope and inspiration to other brain injury survivors.
Donations to support the charity trek can be made via Andrew’s Givestar page. The trek not only aims to raise funds for a noble cause but also to highlight the importance of mental health awareness and the resilience of the human spirit. Andrew’s journey serves as a beacon of hope and determination, showing that overcoming challenges is possible with perseverance and support.