Residents looking to take their cancer fund raising efforts to new heights are invited to join a group of Valemount hikers next Saturday.

For the past eight years, Patricia Thoni has helped organize a Mount Terry Fox hike on Sept. 12, the day before the Terry Fox run. Hiking 11 hours up to the peak, Thoni is inviting anyone who has been affected by cancer to take part as an extension of the Terry Fox Run.  

“It’s varied from 15 to three participants. It’s really weather dependent,” Thoni said. “It’s open to anybody.”

Thoni’s father is a cancer survivor, and she said she’s spoken to other survivors who are supportive of the hike.

But she cautions that the hike is difficult.

The mountain is 2,650 metres high, with very little elevation gained from the road.

“It starts right at the valley bottom and it’s 18 kilometres return from the summit,” she said.

While the destination is the summit, in the past, the group has had to stop at the Terry Fox monument, which sits near the top. The monument – which consists of a plaque on a large white quartz rock -  was placed on the mountain on Sept. 22, 1981 in commemoration of Terry Fox’s journey. It was supposed to rest at the summit, however it was difficult for the helicopter pilot to land on the summit, so the current location was chosen.

“It’s a bit of a scramble to the monument,” Thoni said.

Those wishing to participate can join the hike at 7:30 a.m. PT, at the Highway 5 pullout with the large painted Terry Fox sign. Hikers are asked to bring rain gear, warm clothes, lunch and plenty of water. There is very little water on the trail, Thoni said. Pledge sheets are available and more information can be found by contacting Thoni at 250-566-8244.