Weeks after suicide attempt, Ontario man passes through Kamloops on cross-country run for mental health

Apr 23, 2026 | 4:41 PM

KAMLOOPS — Carter Armstrong knows all too well the perils of mental-health distress.

“I was in a really dark place,” Armstrong said. “I actually attempted suicide two months ago. I struggled a lot. I lost one of my best friends two years ago to mental health. I just realized I have so much more to give to the world. I want to give someone in the same place some hope.”

Armstrong, 23, is running from Vancouver to his hometown, Dryden, Ont., a 3,000-kilometre trek designed to raise money for the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) and provoke conversation on fighting psychological demons.

“Guys in general, but everybody, there is a stigma around it and I’m trying to do my part to help end that and get people to talk,” Armstrong said.

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He was 13 days and 425 kilometres into his journey on Wednesday [April 23], when CFJC tracked him down near Tobiano Golf Course.

“It’s a struggle, especially because I’m carrying all my weight and I’m unsupported,” Armstrong said. “I have my backpack and it’s not like I have a support van carrying my stuff. I’m running with 50 pounds at the start of the day with all my water.”

Armstrong is aiming to run a marathon a day, but does take rest days and makes time to speak with friends of the road.

“Mostly just genuine people, honestly,” said Armstrong, who sleeps in a tent. “It’s been a cool experience that way, all the great interactions and comments, people reaching out to me and telling me their story.”

Find Armstrong on Instagram and Facebook. All of the money collected on his GoFundMe page will be donated to the CMHA.

“I’m sore,” Armstrong said with a laugh. “The ankle is sore. The knees are sore. Blisters everywhere. But you just keep going.”

by Marty Hastings

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Weeks after suicide attempt, Ontario man passes through Kamloops on cross-country run for mental health

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