Advertisement

95-year-old Frank Atchison wraps 260 km fundraising walk for sick kids in Regina

Click to play video: '95-year-old Frank Atchison wraps 260 km fundraising walk for sick kids in Regina'
95-year-old Frank Atchison wraps 260 km fundraising walk for sick kids in Regina
WATCH: The road was long and winding, but Second World War veteran Frank Atchison wasn't intimidated as he completed a charity walk from Saskatoon to Regina – Jun 16, 2021

The road was long and winding, but Second World War veteran Frank Atchison wasn’t intimidated.

After a two-month journey by foot of more than 260 km, Atchison completed his fundraising walk through central Saskatchewan in Regina on Tuesday afternoon — his 95th birthday.

“It’s really been fun,” Atchison told Global News after arriving in Wascana Park.

“Now that it’s over, I’m glad that I did it,” he joked.

Exactly two months ago on April 15, he set out from Saskatoon.

He walked about five kilometres every day. At first, he went home at night, but once he got too far out, he started sleeping in a motorhome.

Story continues below advertisement

Some of the terrain was challenging for him.

Receive the latest medical news and health information delivered to you every Sunday.

Get weekly health news

Receive the latest medical news and health information delivered to you every Sunday.
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

“One of the toughest things was there’s a lot of gravel and walking on the gravel was like walking on marbles. It was very tough,” said Atchison.

Click to play video: '94-year-old Frank Atchison marks midway point in 260 km fundraising walk'
94-year-old Frank Atchison marks midway point in 260 km fundraising walk

As a member of the Shriners, an organization committed to helping children access medical care, his aim was to raise money for the cause.

“I’ve been with them for 50 years and saw some of the wonderful things that have happened with some of these children who have gone through our Shriners hospitals,” Atchison said.

Early estimates around the time he arrived in Regina indicate he brought in more than $50,000. It’s being split between the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital in Saskatoon and Shriner’s Hospital in Montreal.

Story continues below advertisement

Waiting for Atchison near the finish line in Regina Tuesday afternoon was 14-year-old Carter Brown. Brown has brittle bone disease and through the Shriners, has received multiple treatments in Montreal.

“I’m so grateful to be here today to say thank you to Frank. for not only raising money for our hospital, but for raising awareness, too,” said Brown.

Click to play video: 'Frank Atchison one-on-one interview'
Frank Atchison one-on-one interview

Sponsored content

AdChoices