STEWIACKE, N.S. – Fred Franklin originally wanted to walk from Dartmouth to Truro. N.S. in the spring of 2015 but those plans had to be expedited because he might no longer be able to walk on his own by then.
Franklin was diagnosed with a progressive form of Multiple Sclerosis three years ago. He often needs a walker to get around, and says he’ll eventually need a wheelchair.
The walk is his way of raising awareness of the disease and giving back to the MS Society, the Red Cross, the Easter Seals and the Kinsmen Club of Sackville, all of which, he says, have provided him with the help and equipment he needs.
“So much has been given to me,” said Franklin. “I’m 53-years-old, I’ve had a good life, and if I can help one person with MS doing this, it’s been worth it to me.”
Franklin began his walk on Nov. 12 and reached his destination on Nov. 16. His family was at his side throughout the journey.
During those five days, they experienced some of the coldest temperatures Nova Scotia has seen so far this year. In fact, the weather was so bad on Friday, they had to stop between Elmsdale and Milford.
“A lot of hail and stuff,” recalled Franklin. “We had to quit earlier than normal and that kind of disappointed me because I couldn’t get as far as I wanted to get.”
Still, Franklin was back on the road the next morning. He says it’s the support he has received from family, friends and strangers that pushed him through.
During his five-day walk, Franklin raised more than $1,000 for the MS Society.
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