Steve Deschamps has had multiple people in his life who live with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

In fact, he spent his whole life growing up on a military base, and now he works in the navy. The runner is one of three men who did the Wounded Warriors training run from Sooke to Sidney, raising funds that support programs for those impacted by PTSD.

B次元官网网址淭he cause is very close to my heart,B次元官网网址� Deschamps said. B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 a little overwhelming to see the people on the streets and have their support.B次元官网网址�

SundayB次元官网网址檚 65 km run made pit stops at Langford fire hall, the Saanich Police Department, and ended at the newly constructed fire hall in Sidney.

This run is a warm up for the yearly relay event that goes from Port Hardy to Victoria within a single week. The 600-km run down Vancouver Island is completed by a team of eight veterans, first responders and supporters. The run begins on Feb. 23 and ends in front of B.C. Legislature on March 1.

READ MORE: VIDEO: Wounded Warrior surpasses $100,000 fundraising goal

ALSO READ: Wounded Warriors Run gets ready to hit the road

B次元官网网址淚t blows you away because you would never imagine that this would have grown to something so big,B次元官网网址� said Allan Kobayashi, co-founder of the run. B次元官网网址淪o many people have opened up. ItB次元官网网址檚 about people sharing that venom and being willing to talk about their problems.B次元官网网址�

The run began in 2013 and initially had a goal to raise $5,000. Now, organizers are aiming $250,000. TheyB次元官网网址檝e already raised nearly $75,000, as of Feb. 9. Last year, they hit their goal of $100,000.

Langford Mayor Stew Young was in attendance at the runnersB次元官网网址� pit stop and shared how proud he is to support Wounded Warriors. B次元官网网址淲e need to be there for those who struggle with PTSD day in and day out,B次元官网网址� Young said to the crowd.

Those interested in supporting Wounded Warriors Canada can donate online at .

aaron.guillen@goldstreamgazette.com

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