Ten years ago, Will Baxter’s life changed forever. A sudden brain haemorrhage left him paralysed on the left side of his body. Doctors told him he would likely never walk again and would spend his life in a wheelchair. But Will refused to accept that. Just two weeks later, he took his first steps with crutches. A year later, he was back playing football.
Now, a decade on, Will is tackling his biggest challenge yet—a 2,650-mile trek from Mexico to Canada along the Pacific Crest Trail. He’s taking on this journey to support the Child Brain Injury Trust (CBIT) and raise awareness of childhood-acquired brain injury. His route will take him across scorching deserts, dense forests, and towering mountains. It will push him physically and mentally, but he is determined to complete it. His goal? To help children facing life after brain injury, just as he once did.
“I’m not going to pretend I’m hiking the Pacific Crest Trail just for charity—I have a lot of personal reasons for this journey,” Will said. “But it would be crazy not to use this opportunity to support children who are fighting through brain injury recovery, just as I did.”
A Mission Beyond the Miles
While the trek itself is a huge test of endurance, Will’s mission goes beyond the trail. He wants to change how people view recovery after childhood-acquired brain injury. By sharing his story, he hopes to inspire children, families, and medical professionals. He wants to start conversations about resilience, rehabilitation, and the importance of long-term support.
Supporting Children Through Recovery
Every mile Will hikes will help raise vital funds for CBIT. The Child Brain Injury Trust is the UK’s leading charity supporting children and young people with acquired brain injuries.
The charity’s Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Coordinators provide emotional, practical, and financial support to families. From the moment of diagnosis, they help parents understand medical information, access rehabilitation, and secure educational support. They are often a lifeline for families adjusting to life after a brain injury.
CBIT also offers counselling, peer support, and guidance to help families cope with the challenges of childhood brain injury. With the right support, children can go on to achieve incredible things—just like Will has.
How You Can Help
Will’s trek is more than just a personal adventure. It’s a powerful reminder of what’s possible with determination and support. By donating to his JustGiving page, you can help provide essential resources for children and families affected by brain injury.
Join Will on his incredible journey and show your support for the Child Brain Injury Trust by sharing this story!
Together, we can make sure that every child facing acquired brain injury has the support they need to overcome the odds—just like Will did.