Heart-felt journey from East to West
It’s been three years since Gordon Paterson said goodbye to his mother Ann after she suffered a stroke.
The following year, his father James, in Kelowna, B.C., survived one. Slowly, he learned to walk and speak again – and Paterson realized he owed a huge debt to the Heart and Stroke Foundation after all they did to help his father’s recovery.
That’s why he’s cycling across Canada, from Halifax to Vancouver; he had an overnight stay recently in Truro.
“I feel fulfilled. I feel dedicated to helping them because the services that they provide is all based on them receiving charitable funds and that is why I’m doing this,” said Paterson, who is from B.C. but now lives in Scotland with his family.
Two years before losing his mother, Paterson’s aunt died as a result of heart and stroke complications.
Today, his bike is inscribed with the names of his mother, aunt, father and close friend, Mike Milaney.
“It’s personal. Heart disease and stroke has affected my family,” said Paterson.
However, Halifax was not the start of his epic journey. It actually began at Land’s End in Cornwall, England on May 30.
Thirteen days and more than 1,500 km later, Paterson arrived at John O’groats on the northern tip of Scotland.
Money raised from his United Kingdom ride is going toward Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland.
On June 18, Paterson flew to Halifax and departed for Vancouver two days later, cycling up Hwy 2 to Truro on the first leg of his journey.
As a long-distance adventure cyclist, Paterson packs lightweight gear, including a tent and sleeping bag as well as an air mattress and fold-out chair, among other items. Trip supplies are packed in a trailer behind the main bike.
To follow Paterson’s biking adventure across Canada, visit his website at https://www.theroadipedal.com.