Mike Loughman continues to march his way towards Airdrie to raise awareness about mental health and addiction.

Loughman says so far, his walk is going great.

"It's just amazing. I'm meeting tonnes of awesome people in every city I go through. People are honking, stopping on the side of the road sometimes, giving me water. One guy delivered a large pizza."

Loughman set out on his March for Mental Health on June 26, departing from High Level. So far, he hasn't had much of a chance to stop and talk to groups about mental health, but he's been able to have more intimate conversations with individuals or groups as large as five people. He's hopeful that as he gets further south, he can speak with groups in some of the larger cities.

Loughman has also received help from another notable Airdronian.

"Ian Aman, who ran from the tip of Alberta to the bottom of Alberta, he told me that every six or seven days I need to take a break. He's a professional runner, so if he had to do it, I should do it too."

Loughman has taken Aman's advice to heart, and has adjusted his itinerary accordingly. He now plans to be back in Airdrie sometime between August 3 and 5.

Loughman also says one of the best parts so far has been sharing the experience with his family.

"My dad arrived last night and it's my first day walking with my dad as my support driver, so that's pretty cool, being able to share the experience with my family. He'll be with me until the 27th, and then my sister's going to be my driver for three or four days."

Kim Titus from the Thumbs Up Foundation has also driven for Loughman. Mike's March for Mental Health is helping to benefit the Thumbs Up Foundation as well as the Defeat Depression Campaign. He's raised approximately $7,500 for those two organizations.

 

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A Week Into His Walk Loughman Remains Determined

 

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