Walking is healing for Robert Gagnon.
The 44-year-old Canadian veteran set off for the walk of his life as he left the cenotaph at city hall on Wednesday morning.
"Walking gives me a sense of personal healing," Gagnon said.
"But more so, this is about conveying a message."
With a wide brimmed hat and a knapsack on his back, Gagnon set off on a solo walk from Prince George to Victoria with the hope of raising funds and awareness for first responders and veterans suffering from PTSD.
"This is something I live with everyday," Gagnon said.
Gagnon is a former Corporal with the Canadian Armed Forces.
He served from 1993-1995 and 2011-2016.
Now working as a correctional officer at the Prince George Regional Correctional Centre, Gagnon feels he's on his way to healing but the pain of living with PTSD is never left far behind.
"Walking helps me," Gagnon said. "It's a release for me."
But for Gagnon, its not so much his own struggles as it is of the many others who continually suffer with the disease.
This is what drives Gagnon to complete his mission.
"I'm walking for all of those suffering with PTSD. I'm doing it for them," Gagnon said.
Gagnon will continue to walk 30 km a day for 26 days until he reaches the B.C. Legislature in Victoria hoping to explain PTSD to the premier as well as the need for adequate support services for those suffering from the disease.
"It's important to get this message out to our elected officials. Those with PTSD should be getting the support they need," Gagnon said.
After closing in 2012, the Veterans Affairs Office in Prince George reopened its doors in May.
Approximately 1,200 veterans from northern B.C. and Yukon are now able to receive services regarding their benefits, pension and medical examinations.
Employees will also be available to assist veterans in completing and submitting applications and receipts and meeting with case-managers.
This was in light of Veteran's Affairs Minister Kent Hehr announcing in August that $78 million has been committed to reopening the office, along with nine others across the country.
The Department is continuing to hire up to 400 new employees across the country to help ensure that veterans, Canadian Armed Forces members, RCMP personnel and first responders and their families are provided with the best possible services when and where they need them according to Hehr.
For local MP Todd Doherty, it's been a personal passion to help those suffering from PTSD.
Doherty introduced Bill C-211 before the House of Commons establishing a national framework for those military and first responders dealing with the disease.
"I'm very proud of Rob and his walk," Doherty said.
"And its going to be a long one for him. He will have time to reflect on his own experiences and he will encounter many others who will share their own stories. It's so important to raise awareness about PTSD and to continue to provide education to veterans, first responders and to their loved ones," Doherty said.
Gagnon is pleased that changes are being made but more work needs to be done to ensure adequate support services are provided to all PTSD sufferers especially in northern B.C.
All funds raised by Gagnon will be shared with one half going to the Veterans Farm, an equine therapy ranch run by Paul Nichols in Quesnel and the other half to the Honour Ranch in Kamloops which works with first responders and veterans with PTSD.
On Canada Day, Gagnon will be joined by fellow veterans as he makes his way through Quesnel.
Wednesday was the start of a healing journey for Gagnon as hundreds of first responders, local politicians and community members were eager to see him off.
Emotional, Gagnon was humbled by how many came out to support him.
"This is a lot to take in," Gagnon said.
"For those suffering with PTSD, you are all heroes in my heart."
To donate, please visit: www.gofundme.com/3kvoda8.
