An Airdrie man is preparing to walk over one thousand kilometers to raise awareness and funds for mental health.

Mike Loughman plans to set off from High Level on June 26, and will make his way down to Airdrie by the end of July. During the walk, Loughman plans to carry a five pound ball and chain with a happy face sticker on it, for symbolic purposes.

"The ball and chain represents the depression, and then the happy face sticker represents how people are always saying, 'Oh, get over it. Don't worry about it. Man up. Just smile. Fake it 'til you make it.'"

Mental health is a cause dear to Loughman's heart, and he thinks it is a topic that can never get enough attention.

"I mean, people have been talking about mental health more and more, but to me it's still not enough. It still needs to be talked about."

Loughman is inspired to undertake the walk partly due to his own history with addiction. One other purpose of the walk is to show that people can better themselves.

"I want to show people that - I've had several knee surgeries. I want to show people that if you get out there and do it, and you train really hard, eat healthy, work out, you can totally turn your whole life around."

Loughman is currently training for the walk, and is also fundraising on behalf of the Thumbs Up Foundation and the Defeat Depression Campaign.

 

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