Local residents of all ages are contributing to Terry Fox's dream of a finding a cure for cancer.
Now in its 33rd year, the Terry Fox run raises funds for cancer research. It was while Fox was in hospital after being diagnosed with bone cancer and having his right leg amputated above the knee in 1977 that Fox decided to run across Canada to raise money for cancer research.
"I got involved because I have been a fan of Terry Fox's since he was doing his Marathon of Hope," said Kathy Jones, who organizes the local run. "He and I would be about the same age. He got cancer. I didn't."
Fox was forced to stop his Marathon of Hope when cancer was found in his lungs. Since his death, Canadians and others around the world have participated in Terry Fox Runs, raising more than $600 million in Fox's name.
Jones, a family doctor in New Westminster, participated in the Terry Fox Run for many years. A few years ago she felt the New Westminster run could use a bit of rejuvenation and started organizing the event that's since moved from Queen's Park to Westminster Quay.
After a warm-up on the boardwalk in front of River Market on Sept. 15, participants of all ages walked, ran and rode bikes on routes ranging from one to 10 kilometres.
