The Traitors' Andrew finishes 42-day four-country trek at Cardiff Castle

Ellie Gosley
·3-min read
-Credit: (Image: David Sinden Photography)
-Credit: (Image: David Sinden Photography)


Traitors finalist Andrew Jenkins has officially completed an epic 42-day trek which saw him walk 1200km, starting at the Traitors' Castle in Scotland at the end of September and finishing in his home-city of Cardiff on Sunday, November 10. The star, from Talbot Green, Rhondda Cynon Taf, set out on the trek for a reason very close to his heart.

The challenge was a huge feat for Andrew, who was told following a serious road accident when he was aged 21 that he may never walk again due to a severe brain injury. He took on the challenge to fundraise for Headway, charity which supports brain injury survivors.

Andrew also used the walk as an opportunity to raise awareness of mental health challenges, particularly for men, having struggled with his mental health over the years. Speaking to WalesOnline previously, Andrew explained why he had decided to take on the challenge: "I'm grateful for being given a second chance in life, I suppose, and obviously being able to walk again. I want to show people who’ve had a trauma or suffered a brain injury or struggled with mental health that if you keep believing in yourself you can achieve."

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As well as Andrew's friends and family, there was also a special surprise for him at the finish line as he was met by the surgeon who saved his life 25 years ago. Professor Hamish Laing led the surgical team which operated on Andrew after his car accident at and saved Andrew's life at Morriston Hospital 25 years ago and said it was "so fantastic to see how well he has done."

Andrew was reunited with the surgeon who saved his life, Professor Hamish Laing -Credit:David Sinden Photography
Andrew was reunited with the surgeon who saved his life, Professor Hamish Laing -Credit:David Sinden Photography

Finishing his walk to a hero's welcome at Bute Park, Andrew said: "It feels incredible to arrive back in Cardiff, see my loved ones again and to finish what has been a huge challenge for me, mentally and physically.

"The experience I’ve had over the last 42 days is one I’ll never ever forget. From starting back at the Traitors’ Castle, to walking through some of the most stunning scenery I’ve ever seen, to the amazing people I’ve met along the way, I’m so grateful for it all.

“It has been so tough and there were many times I wanted to give up, especially these last two weeks with a knee injury, when every step I took was painful, but the support I’ve had has been amazing and I want to thank everyone who has messaged me, walked with me and donated money to Headway which does incredible work to support survivors of brain injuries and their families. Please do donate if you haven’t already so we can help as many people as possible.

“I also wanted to show myself and others how far you can go by simply taking one step after the next. Life is hard, but by talking about our struggles and supporting each other we can help it feel that little bit easier, and I wanted to remind people that there’s always a way forward.”

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.

"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." For the latest Cardiff news, sign up to our newsletter here. So far Andrew has raised £30,000 for Headway. You can donate here.