Barrie man trekking 900km Bruce Trail for local charity
The past month has been anything but a walk in the park for Jody Patfield, braving the elements and a few aches and pains along the way.
"Had some issues with my back. It's calmed down a little bit this morning," said Patfield.
The 53-year-old Barrie businessman dropped everything he was doing to challenge himself and raise money hiking the Bruce Trail, Canada's longest and oldest marked trail.
"I am currently in the last stages of hiking the Bruce Trail, which is a 900 kilometer trek," said Patfield.
Chronicling his journey called 30 days 900 kilometers.
- Download the CTV News app free to get local news alerts
- Don't miss breaking news - Sign up for the CTV Newsletter
Patfield, who started in late April in Niagara, plans to reach Tobermory by Friday. He's raised more than $25,000 so far and is aiming to double that. All the money will be donated to the Barrie Rotary Club, Bruce Trail Conservancy, and Hospice Simcoe.
"This Friday will be the end of my hike, and that'll be the five-year anniversary of my dad's passing, so the connection to Hospice where dad spent the remainder of his life is a very important one to our family," said Patfield.
Whether it's been words of encouragement or a warm meal and bed, Patfield has been helped by folks he calls his trail angels. He snaps selfies and gives thanks to a group of people who lent their support.
Jody Patfield from Barrie Ont., walking along his 30days900ks end-to-end trek of the Bruce Trail from Niagara to Tobermory.
He thought it only made sense to return the favour and make a difference in the lives of those who were going through their own struggles.
"One hundred percent of the funds that we receive will be donated back; 90% right into Barrie between Rotary and Hospice and 10% to the Bruce Trail," Patfield continued.
Patfield wants to encourage others to join him in discovering breathtaking views; experiencing what Mother Nature offers. Putting their body to the test
"And if people out there are trying to accomplish something, maybe this is a way that they can look at this and determine that they can do the same thing and achieve incredible goals," concluded Patfield.
The link to follow Jody's journey or donate to 30days900ks can be found online.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6976926.1721883767!/httpImage/image.png_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.png)
LIVE UPDATES Critical infrastructure 'successfully protected': Jasper park officials
Jasper National Park officials in an update said all critical infrastructure in the townsite has been 'successfully protected, including the hospital, emergency services building, both elementary and junior/senior schools, activity centre and wastewater treatment plant.'
Canadian Olympic Committee removes women's soccer team's head coach over drone scandal
The Canadian Olympic Committee has removed women's national soccer team head coach Bev Priestman over a drone scandal, according to a press release from the organization.
Yukon woman narrowly escapes bear attack, credits hair clip
A woman in Yukon believes her hair clip helped save her during a bear attack.
Prince William's 2023 salary revealed in new report
Newly released financial reports show that William, the Prince of Wales, drew a salary of $42.1 million last fiscal year, his first since inheriting the vast and lucrative Duchy of Cornwall.
'I was just shocked': Jasper lodge owner on seeing property destroyed by wildfire
On Wednesday night, the owner of Maligne Lodge in Jasper, Alta., was shocked to receive a photo of her business engulfed in flames.
Mary-Ellen Turpel-Lafond likely has Indigenous DNA: report
The Law Society of British Columbia says a DNA test shows a former judge and Order of Canada recipient accused of falsely claiming to be Cree "most likely" has Indigenous heritage.
U.S. authorities have arrested 'El Mayo' Zambada, a historic leader of Mexico's Sinaloa cartel
Ismael 'El Mayo' Zambada, a historic leader of Mexico's Sinaloa cartel, and Joaquin Guzman Lopez, a son of another infamous cartel leader, were arrested by U.S. authorities in Texas on Thursday, the U.S. Justice Department said.
Harris pushes Netanyahu to ease suffering in Gaza: 'I will not be silent'
U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris pressured Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday to help reach a Gaza ceasefire deal that would ease the suffering of Palestinian civilians, striking a tougher tone than President Joe Biden.
'She led it the whole way': 18-year-old B.C. woman leads hikers to safety in Jasper National Park
As fire threatened people in Jasper National Park, Colleen Knull sprung into action.