The Big Trek

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.

Every year, over 350,000 are hospitalised due to brain injuries. This is nearly the population of Cardiff or 3 full Wembley stadiums. 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.