Real-life superhero pays inspiring visit

By Tim Kalinowski on February 1, 2018.

tkalinowski@medicinehatnews.com @MHNTimKal

Adventureman Jamie McDonald wrapped up his three-day visit to Medicine Hat Wednesday with an inspirational speech at Webster Niblock School.

McDonald spoke for about 35 minutes and generously stuck around to sign autographs for any students who might want one. Most of those who waited in line for an autograph wore superhero costumes in tribute to the man who has become a real-life superhero for many of them.

McDonald spoke with the News for a short time before heading on to his next destination in Calgary. He said it still is hard to believe how far he has come since undertaking his epic fundraising journey across Canada to benefit children’s hospitals in 2014.

“I spent most of my life in hospital as a kid,” recalled McDonald. “I’ve got a rare spinal condition called ‘syringomyelia’. Some of the symptoms included I would have kind of like epileptic fits, immune deficiency and sometimes I couldn’t move my legs.

“I guess after spending all that time in hospital I started out with my first adventure just giving back to that hospital in Gloucestershire who looked after me. But It has become a little bit bigger than me and my story, and I would like to make a difference around the world as well.”

Since his epic journey, McDonald has become an international celebrity much in demand for public speaking engagements around the world. McDonald credits Canada for helping him find that much larger platform for his central message: Anyone can be a superhero and make a difference in someone’s life.

“I am so lucky,” he said. “After the run across Canada I kind of accidentally fell into motivational speaking. I got flown all around the world to do it. But this particular trip, I am kind of volunteering my time. It is really just to kind of retrace my steps and revisit all the people who once helped me through. I want to say thank you to all the Canadians who helped me through.”

McDonald has a special place in his heart for Medicine Hat.

“Mandy Campbell and Marv Genno of the Madhatters running club came out when it really mattered, and I was really at my worst,” he stated. “It was -45 C outside. Marv and Mandy were like my Momma Bear and Papa Bear. Marv ran with me, and Mandy took me in.”

Once he concludes his current book tour of Canada in Vancouver, McDonald is poised to undertake his next adventure as he begins a 5,000-mile run across the United States.

“This is part two,” said McDonald. “When I got to the end of my previous journey in Vancouver, I thought that really was the end. But I guess it is just the beginning.”

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