Brain injury survivor walks 2,650 miles for charity

A brain injury survivor from Loxley has completed a 2,650-mile trek from Mexico to Canada for the Child Brain Injury Trust, raising more than £13,000 for charity.

Ten years ago, Will Baxter was given a devastating prognosis. After suffering a sudden brain haemorrhage that paralysed the entire left side of his body, doctors told him he would likely spend the rest of his life in a wheelchair.

A brain haemorrhage occurs when a blood vessel bursts in the brain, causing bleeding that can damage tissue and lead to paralysis or other neurological problems.

Baxter defied expectations, taking his first steps on crutches just two weeks after the haemorrhage. Within a year, he was playing football again.

Now aged 24, he has completed his biggest challenge yet – a self-supported trek along the Pacific Crest Trail, covering 2,650 miles through deserts, dense forests and mountain summits.

He walked around 25 miles a day, pushing himself physically and mentally in what he called the ultimate endurance test.

His goal was to raise awareness and vital funds for children living with acquired brain injury – children just like he once was.

“I don’t think I should ever have been told by that consultant that I would never walk again,” Baxter said.

“It was just a few weeks later I hobbled back into that consultant’s office on crutches, trying to prove a point – and I suppose I’m still trying to prove that today.

“I’m so grateful that I never believed them because I think we should be trying to keep the hope alive in children’s minds.”

His efforts have raised more than £13,000 for the Child Brain Injury Trust, which has supported him since he was airlifted to Birmingham Children’s Hospital.

The charity’s specialist acquired brain injury coordinators work closely with children and families from diagnosis, providing emotional, practical and financial support as they navigate life after brain injury.

Baxter is now being made an ambassador for the charity.

Despite the physical challenge of the trail, he said it was nothing compared to taking his first steps across the ward at Birmingham Children’s Hospital during his recovery.

Donations can be made at www.justgiving.com/page/will2025pct