"I went through the window. My head and my arm were dragged along the floor for 200 yards. When the car stopped sliding, it was leaning on top of me. They thought I was dead, it was horrendous."
– Andrew Jenkins
In 1999, Andrew suffered a horrendous car accident at the age of 21. He was pronounced dead on the side of the road and then spent 4 weeks in a coma fighting for his life. Doctors told his family he had severe brain and if he was to wake from his coma the likely hood was, he would not recognise anyone or be able to walk, talk or use his arms again. Luckily when he woke, he remembered who people were but was told he would never walk again. Andrew proved doctors wrong and with determination and belief learnt to walk again in just a few weeks. Like many young children living in Wales, Andrew’s dream was to play rugby for his country and run out onto the hollowed turf of the National Stadium. The accident ended all hopes and dreams he had of playing for Wales, but he also lost his identity as a rugby player.
The physical injuries Andrew sustained were terrible, but the hardest battle Andrew faced was with his mental health. He bottled his feelings and emotions up for nearly 24 years and has only recently spoke to his family about his mental struggles. Andrew has done a lot of reflecting, studying and self-analysis over the past few years, he is now in a good place in life. After meeting the Doctor who saved his life in 2022 who called Andrew a ‘miracle patient’, he now wants to share his experience to help motivate and inspire others. He does motivational talks to various audiences to help try and break the stigma around mental health, proving to people that you can achieve great things in life even after suffering adversity.
Andrew recently left his job as a Commercial Insurance Broker to set up his own company called “Strength In You Ltd”. He has been given a second chance at life and now wants to give back to others who may have experienced a trauma or struggled with their mental health. He offers motivational talks, workshops on a number of subjects plus he is a qualified coach.
Andrew’s inspiring story is one of heart ache, determination, resilience, and grief but also positive and uplifting. He has big plans and really hopes to inspire many people and try to help end the stigma around mental health.
Andrew's 3 tips for wellness
Free, easy to access and rewarding
Self-worth
People are beating themselves up all the time. But your self-worth is your self-worth, regardless of the material things in life. You have values, your morals, that's your self -worth.
Don’t give up
I've lost things in life. But I put things in place to achieve it for the next time or the time after. Don't give up. Losing is not a bad thing.
Get out in nature
A walk and get out in nature, it doesn't cost anything. A 20-minute walk is so powerful. Make sure you learn some breathing exercises and just get out there.
