BONNYVILLE – Despite the cold and rainy weather, a dozen people came out to run, walk and bike to raise funds for cancer research and honour the late Terry Fox.
Participants, and a couple of four-legged friends, met at the Bonnyville Splash Park at 1 p.m. before heading off down the Lakeshore trail.
The Bonnyville Terry Fox run was organized by Les Parsons, general manager of the Bonnyville and District Centennial Centre.
According to Parsons, leading up to the event there was a shift by the Terry Fox Foundation to encourage Canadians to participate virtually. As a result, thousands of groups and individuals collected pledges and ran at their own pace across the country.
According to the Terry Fox Foundation’s website, six Bonnyville residents have taken part in this year’s virtual run and have raised $1,870 for cancer research.
For Parsons, taking part in this event is more than a yearly routine.
As a university student, Parsons would watch Terry Fox run through the rain, sleet and heat on the evening news with his friends in awe.
Quickly, Terry Fox became a hero for Parsons as a young adult. Parsons recalls one of his favourite quotes by Terry — “I believe in miracles... I have to."
In 2006, Parsons was diagnosed with stomach cancer, one of the more challenging things he has had to deal with in his life, he says.
Surviving cancer and recovering was a miracle that Parsons believed in, just as Terry believed.
SEE GALLERY ABOVE FOR IMAGES FROM BONNYVILLE AND ST. PAUL EVENTS
St. Paul
In St. Paul, there was a small group of people who began their run/walk from the St. Paul Rec. Centre on Sept. 19.
According to the Terry Fox Foundation website, over $2,500 was raised by St. Paul residents – although that number isn’t a final tally.
This year was the 41st anniversary for the Terry Fox Run. Last year’s 40th run also encouraged Canadians to take part virtually, honouring Terry while also continuing to raise funds for the cause.