75-year-old grandpa walks across Canada without leaving hometown
Harry Norris started walking on March 13, 2020, and he hasn’t stopped since.
“I couldn’t go and play badminton three times a week or go to the local gym, so I started walking,” says Norris.
The soon to be 76-year-old Mitchell grandfather has been walking around his hometown for the past 475 days straight.
He started with the goal of walking the 4,600 kilometres to and from his daughter’s home in Texas by Christmas.
Once he’d accomplished that, he thought he’d hit March, and stop. But once he hit that target, it was only another 2,000 kilometres to walk all the way across Canada, a goal he hit on Canada Day.
“It felt good. I felt the best because my health was good. No issues with my knees, or hips, or whatever, and just getting out there consecutively for those 475 days in all kinds of weather. It can be tough on those -20 days and those +30 days, but you still do it, and I’m pleased to accomplish that,” says Norris, who turns 76 in August.
All told, Norris has walked over 8,200 kilometres since last March.
Part of his inspiration to keep going comes from Jesse’s Journey, and his friend John Davidson, who walked across Canada 23 years ago.
“I still have the hat he gave me in Calgary in 1998, when two friends and I went out to Calgary and walked with John for four days. I really appreciated the inspiration he’s provided over the years,” says Norris.
It’s now Norris’ turn to inspire, as the Perth County senior proves age is no obstacle.
“I’m still walking now. I’m not going to stop. I’m just going to keep walking. Every day is another 10 or 11 miles,” he says.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
BREAKING Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
The Vancouver Canucks are moving on to the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.