Most people wouldn’t imagine walking across Canada even if they were in perfect health, but for Trevor Redmond it’s almost become a way of life.
Later this week he’ll embark on a 22,000-kilometre journey across Canada despite being struck by a car at the age of 15. He was left with injuries that should’ve left him incapable of walking without assistance.
“They said I’d be using a cane to maneuver for the rest of my life with,” said the 46-year-old Nova Scotia-born traveller . “Instead, I’m about to put more kilometers on my leg.”
Redmond, who now lives in Calgary, is hoping to inspire all Canadians to move and grow. On the way, he’ll be raising funds and awareness for Brigadoon Village — a non-profit facility for children living with chronic illness.
READ MORE: COMMENTARY: Canada at 150 — what we are, what we can become?
While he is a veteran of traversing Canada — having walked 11,421 kilometres across Canada in 2006 and bicycled 14,632 kilometres in 2009 — Redmond says that he’s determined to visit more rural and underserved communities in Canada.
“I’m not sure how many more trips I’m going to be able to take,” he said.
Get daily National news
“I want to reach as many people as I can and hopefully inspire them to move as well.”
Redmond will be starting off on his journey from G.R. Saunders Elementary school in Stellarton, N.S., on Canada’s 150th birthday.
He said it’s the perfect place for him for his journey to begin and end. The school is near Pleasant Street, something that he hopes will translate to the long road ahead of him.
READ MORE: Retired Australian couple travelling across the world celebrates New Brunswick
“I want a pleasant start and a pleasant finish,” he said.
It’ll take about 850 days to complete the round trip. If everything goes according to plan he should arrive in Vancouver, B.C., in late 2018 before turning around and heading back to Stellarton.
When Redmond leaves he’ll take part in Stellarton’s Canada Day parade before continuing on his journey. He says the support he gets from the people he meets on the way is what keeps him going.
Interactive: Build your very own coat of arms
Click “Get Started” to create a customized, shareable coat of arms.
Comments