Walking gave Keleigh Bradford a reason to get out of bed

Even more, the simple activity gave the Kitchener woman a push on the road to recovery from mental illness and addiction.

Sticking with the healthy habit was that much easier with a good-quality pair of athletic shoes given to her through an annual walking fundraiser that provides shoes to people with mental health issues on a limited income who are pursuing exercise as part of their recovery.

Bradford recently received the 500th pair bought by the Minds in Motion KW Walking Classic.

“It’s a real esteem builder,” said Bradford, 33.

Now in its fifth year, the competitive walking event, also open to recreational walkers, has raised just over $70,000. It has grown steadily, from about 325 walkers in the first year to 950 last year.

All 70 pairs of shoes paid for by the first walk were handed out within two weeks.

“The need was so tremendous,” said event co-chair Dave Lewis, who was inspired by the benefits of walking he and his wife Sue saw when they were coping with their son’s serious mental health issues.

That’s what he wants people to realize through the event, which “celebrates the connection between walking and mental health, not just for people with lived experience, but the whole community,” he said.

“We all need to move to feel healthy, to feel positive.”

Walking has been a big part of Bradford’s new healthy lifestyle.

She struggled with drug addiction and mental illness for a decade after leaving home at 12 because of a tumultuous childhood with alcoholism and abuse. Bradford found herself in Victoria, B.C., hooked on drugs as a way to cope with her mental illness and paying for her habit with prostitution.

She woke up one morning determined to change her life, coming back to Kitchener three years ago.

“My life really has been a big journey,” Bradford said. “I’ve deal with a lot of stuff and I continue to deal with stuff.”

She started getting help, joining support groups and taking advantage of programs. That included a walking group through Waterloo Regional Homes for Mental Health, which focuses on improving the quality of life and independence for people with mental health issues by providing access to affordable housing and flexible, individualized support.

She got her first pair of running shoes a couple years ago and put them to good use. Through walking she met people who were also coping with mental illness and addiction, people who supported each other.

“It gave me a sense of purpose to get up and get out of the house,” Bradford said.

That sense of purpose went far beyond a morning boost. She’s working on completing her high school diploma and hopes to enrol at Conestoga College in a social work program, with the goal of helping others who find themselves in tough situations. She volunteers with a local self-help organization and hopes to be living independently in the fall. Bradford has also lost 25 pounds and quit smoking almost a year ago.

Walking can transform a person like Bradford, said Gayle Parker, a registered nurse who co-ordinates the wellness program at Waterloo Regional Homes for Mental Health.

“It moves people forward,” Parker said.

Diabetes and smoking are more common among people coping with mental illness, and these can lead to other health complications. Walking boosts their health, along with helping them realize recovery is possible.

“People aren’t limited by their mental illness,” Parker said. “I think being involved helps them see the potential.”

Bradford joined the walk twice, first doing the 10-kilometre route as a competitor and the second as a supporter for a first-time walker. She’ll be back again this September for the event she said is fun, but also breaks down the misconceptions around mental illness.

“I have this scary label attached to me, but it’s not me.”