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Walking for a cure

Those who drive Highway 16 between Prince Rupert and Port Edward will most likely see Sean MacDonald walking the road in the months ahead.
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Sean MacDonald walks more than 15 km per day.

Those who drive Highway 16 between Prince Rupert and Port Edward will most likely see Sean MacDonald walking the road in the months ahead.

MacDonald has committed to walking from his house on 9th Avenue East to Butze Rapids, around the trail and back home five days a week between now and October 1. It’s not that he loves the fresh air and exercise, MacDonald is undertaking the journey to raise money for multiple sclerosis (MS) research, a topic near and dear to his heart.

“My grandmother had MS when I was young, 4 or 5, so I don’t know much about her. I know pictures and I’ve seen her when she was young and she was a nurse. Right up to the day she died she expected there was going to be a cure, but we’re still fighting it today. With advances in technology it’s getting better, but it’s still a problem,” said MacDonald, who is joined on the walk by his daughter three days per week.

“I was going to do seven days a week, but my mother said I was going to need a break or I would kill myself and I listened. I’m glad I did because I need that break, but it’s nothing compared to what those with MS go through every day of their lives ... I will be walking the distance from Prince Rupert to Vancouver. It’s a long walk.”

People can follow MacDonald’s progress at Djrothpeppers Multiple Sclerosis Walk Facebook page and the MS Society is establishing a way for people to contribute to the cause. With the walk taking three-and-a-half hours each time, MacDonald said he hopes people become aware of his efforts and show their support.

“A nice polite honk or a wave would be nice while on the walk,” he said.