Cross-country trek for mental health leads Ontario man to meaningful connection in Medicine Hat

The Carter Morris Legacy Project was created to honour Carter Morris following his passing in April and to advocate for improved youth mental health care and crisis support in southeastern Alberta.

Terri Morris, founder of the project and Carter’s mother, said awareness and connection are the main reasons the project was made.

“To support his friends and peer group through his loss, just so they felt some connection, [and] bringing awareness to the lack of support in rural communities for youth in particular because of his age group and the access to treatment and crisis care,” Morris said.

“I just was under the assumption, if we went to the hospital, everything would be okay, because they had what was required to help,” she added.

“We do have things in place for support, like Kickstand and therapy like that. But it’s ones that enter into the crisis side, where they’re not supported.”

Morris said meeting Armstrong felt meaningful because of the shared name and the similarities in their advocacy work.

“It was kind of mind-blowing. I saw his name, and then as I read more into the reason he was running, it’s kind of like, was it meant to be?” Morris said.

She said Armstrong’s determination and openness around mental health left a lasting impression.

“I just feel it’s like his perseverance and his acknowledgement that he knew that he needed to do this to bring awareness,” Morris said.

“The more openly you speak about it, the more people are gonna be comfortable around the conversation.”

Armstrong said the encounter was emotional but meaningful, calling it a reminder of why he is on the journey.

“It’s a heavy connection, and I feel very deeply for them,” Armstrong said.

“Just creating a safe space for people to talk about it, because the more you talk about it, the easier it becomes,” he added.

“What I’m doing; if I’m helping people along the way, that’s what it’s all about.”

Armstrong began the journey on April 10 and has since crossed into Saskatchewan as he continues eastward.

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Armstrong taking a picture with the ‘Welcome to Alberta’ sign before passing through the province (Image Credit: Carter Armstrong Facebook)

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As of May 16, Armstrong estimates he has raised more than $16,000 for the CMHA, though he notes the journey is self-funded and he is not formally sponsored.

Armstrong said his goal is to continue “step by step” toward Dryden while visiting communities, speaking at schools where possible, and encouraging open conversations about mental health.

“I hope I can keep inspiring, and each town I go to and be able to leave a bit of an impact where I am,” Armstrong said.

“It’s always a battle. It’s never an easy feat going with marathons a day, but just continue to [take] each step at a time.”

Upcoming events are being organized in Medicine Hat in support of the Carter Morris Legacy Project, including a basketball tournament, “Battle in the Hat 2026,” scheduled for Aug. 21 and 22 at Medicine Hat High.

The tournament brings together local teams for a community-focused event in memory of Carter Morris.

A second initiative, known as Effect 15, is also in development and will focus on mental wellness education and advocacy through community speakers and athlete involvement, with details to be announced closer to the event.

Also passing through southeast Alberta earlier this week was Tony Mangan, a former ultra-distance runner who continues to travel the world on foot.

The 69-year-old from Ireland began the latest leg of his world walk in Mid-March, deciding to travel across Canada starting in Vancouver. Canada is the 39th country he is walking across.

From October 2010 to 2014, Mangan completed a run of approximately 50,000 km around the world to support Aware, an Irish charity working to remove the stigma from depression.

His route during that run is shown on his webpage, theworldjog.com.

by Jett Schwaier

Cross-country trek for mental health leads Ontario man to meaningful connection in Medicine Hat

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