Son’s trek to highlight brain injury charity

Heck - Jack Tates big adventure - Yorkshire lad setting off on epic walk from Kirklington to Cornwall to raise awareness for SameYou, a charity that breaks the silence on brain injury.

Jack Tate, 29, wanted to raise money for the charity because if father suffered a a subsrachnoid haemorrhage which led to life changing brain injuries.

Jack said: “One in three people will be affected by brain injury and there is a huge gap in the recovery care. Neuro rehab is the most neglected and underfunded in this country.

“I am really into my fitness but during lockdown started doing longer hikes locally with my girlfriend Ruby and our dog Mabel.

“On one of our hikes we came up with the idea of a big charity walk to raise money for SameYou.”

SameYou was set up by Game of Thrones actress Emilia Clarke, after she suffered a life-threatening aneurysm aged 24, with another one following a few years later.

Jack has chosen Cornwall as its somewhere he has fond memories of as a child and is planning to do as much of his walk on footpaths passing through some of England’s breathtaking beauty spots.

“I’m hoping to complete the 479 mile walk in around 30 days,” explained Jack.

“I’ll be carrying with me a backpack weighing in at around 18kg including a tent, sleeping bag, clothing and food and drink supplies.”

Jack’s challenge is been supported by his team at work, Heck Food.

“When Jack came to us with his idea it inspired us to get behind him,” explained Jamie Keeble, of Heck.

“My father himself had a brain injury a few years ago but was lucky it was spotted early and got the right care.

“Jack has set himself a time challenge so he is really going to have to show us what he is made off!

“We will fuelling his mission with our delicious bangers and some of us will be joining him on the way to keep his morale up.”

Donate at: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/jacksbigadventure?

Jack’s challenge has attracted the attention of Julia Bradbury, the TV presenter, famous for her walking programmes.

“This is fantastic challenge for a good cause,” said Julia.

“I’m going to give Jack some support pre and during the walk and catching up. This type of challenge is all about preparation, both mental, practical and physical. I’m hoping we can help him raise as much money as possible for a great cause.”

Despite its relatively low profile in public health discussions, traumatic brain injury is the leading cause of mortality in young adults.

SameYou works in partnership with the Royal College of Nursing, Stroke Association, Spaulding Rehabilitation Network, and Nursing Now to increase both funding and research.