An Okotoks man gearing up to bike across France has raised over $17,000 for veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.

Todd Martin is riding for this year's Battlefield Bike Ride: Operation Overlord.

The bike ride is honouring the 75th anniversary of D-Day, and raising funds for Wounded Warriors.

As a seven year veteran who served for several tours, Martin says he has seen the effect PTSD has on people close to him.

"My passion for the brothers and sisters in arms is- I feel more like a soldier now than I did sometimes when I was in the military. Because I want them to know I've got their back," Martin said.

Martin believes acknowledging that you need help is 95 per cent of the battle when it comes to PTSD.

"If they're gonna ask for help, I'll come and I'll help you as best I can, so you can focus on what you need to focus in front of you. Don't keep looking over your shoulder, I'll be there for you," he added.

Martin is a diligent biker, but he says mentally preparing for the ride has been slightly jarring as he shifts from fundraising mode.

"We spent from November to now fundraising. The whole ride itself has felt really abstract and distant until then. But now things are starting to come together," Martin said.

He credits the support and generosity of the Foothills community for helping him prepare for the Battlefield Bike Ride. Ridley's Cycle in Okotoks outfitted him with a full cycle kit ahead of his flight to France.

The Operation Overlord route will run from May 30 until June 6. The course will bring Martin and 149 other Canadians from Dieppe to Juno beach.

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