â–ş Listen Live
â–ş Listen Live

Local man tackles Appalachian Trail to raise money for mental health

Prince George Resident and UNBC alum Leland McKeeman will be spending his spring hiking the Appalachian trail to raise awareness and funds for mental health services. McKeeman says he and a friend are flying down to Atlanta tomorrow.

McKeeman, who was diagnosed with bipolar disorder at 19, says he struggled to get help in Prince George.

Leland McKeeman (Facebook: Footsteps for Mental Health)
Leland McKeeman (Facebook: Footsteps for Mental Health)

His journey will take him across 14 states and over nearly 3500km. Despite the length of the journey, McKeeman plans to travel light.

“I weighed it in, minus the food and water, at around 15 to 20lbs. I’m trying to travel as light as possible.”

McKeeman says he’s already exceeded his funding goal of $10 for every one of the nearly 2200 miles of the trail.

“Coming up here pretty close to $25,000 which has definitely exceeded my expectations.”

The funds will be split between the Prince George Mental Health Association and Jared Parker Memorial Scholarship, which will support research on suicide and depression at UNBC.

McKeeman has been blogging about his preparations and says that, despite being out in the bush, he plans to continue providing updates to his followers.

“It’s not quite as wild and not so much wilderness as northern BC. So I will be crossing roads every now and again and have cell phone service every now and again. I actually should be updating my blog around once a week or once every 2 weeks.”

To make a donation or follow along on the trek, you can visit McKeeman’s blog or his Facebook page, Footsteps for Mental Health.

Something going on in the Prince George area you think people should know about?
Send us a news tip by emailing [email protected].

Shannon Waters
Shannon Waters
Raised in Victoria, educated in Vancouver at UBC and BCIT, Shannon moved to Prince George as a reporter in 2016. She is now the News Director for Vista North.

Continue Reading

cjci Now playing play

cirx Now playing play

- Advertisement -

Related Articles

- Advertisement -

Latest News

Hartley’s Sports Shorts; Friday, July 11th

Special Olympics BC Summer Games: The 2025 Special Olympics BC Summer Games in Prince George officially began with the opening ceremonies last night (Thursday) at CN Centre.

PHOTOS: Special Olympics BC Summer Games officially open

The Special Olympics BC Summer Games are officially underway in Prince George. The opening ceremonies were held at the CN Centre tonight (Thursday), as the City welcomes nearly 900 athletes to the City to compete in ten sports. 

Measles cases reported in B.C. this year top 100

B.C.’s health officials have said 102 cases of measles have been reported across B.C. so far this year, with most of those in the Northern Health region.

Measles cases reported in B.C. this year top 100

B.C.’s health officials have said 102 cases of measles have been reported across B.C. so far this year, with most of those in the Northern Health region.

Fraser Lyric Opera hosting concert featuring youth and adults

Fraser Lyric Opera is hosting a concert this weekend at Prince George's Knox Performance Centre.
- Advertisement -