Making strides for mental health

Kyle Patterson is hoping to raise funds and awareness for mental wellness by walking 1,000 km this summer.

“I’ve had so much great help from doctors and family members that I can proudly say that I do think that I have beat mental illness,” Patterson told Global News as he arrived in Kelowna Thursday.

Patterson is walking from Vancouver to Calgary to let others know there is a chance to beat mental health issues.

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“I found that playing hockey and lacrosse was a great escape from anxiety and depression,” Patterson said.

He has so far raised $20,000 for his ‘Puck Off Mental Illness’ hourney.

“Funds are great and everything but if I can help one person than that’s good enough for me.”

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“I think it’s absolutely phenomenal,” Wes Zawertailo, Wellness Development Centre Team Lead with the Canadian Mental Health Association office in Kelowna said as Patterson arrived at Foundry Kelowna. “He’s doing all the right things.”

“It’s okay not to be okay,” Zawertailo said.

Patterson is putting one foot in front of the other to spread that message.