Kiwi sets off on epic walk

Chris Linton set off on his journey from Picton on New Year’s Day and plans to circumambulate, or walk around, the South Island in the first leg of his trip.

The aim of the Great New Zealand Walk for Hope is to raise funds, bring awareness and combat the stigma surrounding disorders like depression, bipolar disorder and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Linton, 52, who lives with bipolar disorder, describes himself as an educator, author and world record holder.

“I’ve always known that something has been not quite right with myself, because I’ve always tried to do eight to 10 things at the same time,” he said. “Then things would fall apart and I would fall into depression and this went on for 20 years or so.”

It was after he received a diagnosis of bipolar II disorder and type two diabetes last year that his doctor said he needed to exercise and advised he take up walking.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/well-good/inspire-me/75646191/expat-kiwi-sets-off-on-epic-walk-around-new-zealand