He's been recognized as the man who 'walked through the flames' for PTSD.
Robert Gagnon, despite all odds, arrived at the B.C. Legislature in Victoria after a solo walk that begun at the cenotaph at city hall in Prince George on June 28.
Gagnon, 44, is a former corporal with the Canadian Armed Forces and today works as correctional officer at the Prince George Regional Correctional Centre.
And it was his mission to walk, to raise awareness and funds for first responders and veterans suffering from post traumatic stress disorder.
"It was a lot different than I had expected because of all of the fire issues especially in Lac la Hache and 100 Mile House," Gagnon said.
"Someone donated a room for us but then the fire really started to take off."
On his way again, Gagnon remembers smoke and fire surrounding him along the way.
"There were many check points to get through and it was extremely unnerving to watch especially in Cache Creek.
"Just seeing it, the sheer terror," Gagnon said.
"There were so many stories and the human compassion, it was amazing. There was one family who had lost everything, their car was all packed up but they were still giving me water."
Gagnon was escorted through the hot zones as everyone including police cheered him on during what he refers to as being a "healing journey."
I listened to so many stories from firefighters, police, correctional officers and veterans. To hear their stories and their struggles with having PTSD, it was so inspiring for me to finish the walk, get to Victoria and pass on the message," Gagnon said.
"The journey was healing. Being alone for all those hours and not talking to anyone. It allowed me to step in the bush and scream, laugh and cry.
"It let me reflect on my own struggles with PTSD and what I've been through. I know that through all of this, it's made me a better person."
Gagnon walked about 30 km a day but his arrival in Victoria was bumped up two days due to the wildfires.
Once arriving, it was his mission to explain PTSD to the premier as well as the need for adequate support services for those suffering from the disease.
And Gagnon was thrilled to have had the opportunity to do so as he met with veterans and various government officials.
He was also pleased to raise $13,796 which was close to his goal of $15,000.
Funds will be split 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 closely with first responders and veterans with PTSD.
Despite his own issues with PTSD, it was the stories and struggles of the many others who face the disease daily that kept Gagnon going.
"All of those who talked and walked with me, that's what inspired me," Gagnon said.
"I really do want them to have hope."
