More than 50 people from across western Canada are expected to hike Mount Terry Fox on Sept. 6 to celebrate the 35th anniversary of his historic journey across Canada.
Three of Fox’s siblings are expected to join hikers for the fundraising event.
“I think it’s a chance for [Terry’s siblings] and people that are coming to experience a little bit of what Terry must have experienced,” said Donna White, provincial director of the Terry Fox Foundation for British Columbia and the Yukon.
“Terry set out to make a difference in the lives of people that would be diagnosed with [cancer] and this is an opportunity for people to come out, push themselves to the limit, and raise some funds to help people that we know are battling [cancer] and to pay tribute to those we have loved and lost to the disease.”
Hikers will have three different routes to choose from, including a four-hour return trip to the viewpoint, a six to seven hour return trip to Repeater Ridge, and a 12-hour return trip to the summit, which includes an opportunity to visit Fox's monument.
“We were there 35 years ago at the top of the mountain for the dedication [ceremony] and it was actually just shortly after Terry passed away three months earlier,” said Darrell Fox, Terry’s youngest brother.
“We took the easy way up, we went by helicopter, and I think we’ve always felt it would be nice to come back,” he said.
White stressed the hike to the summit, which includes an elevation gain of 8,500 feet, is for experienced hikers only, but noted that registration is still open for the various hikes.
“Be prepared for the weather,” she warned. “They are calling for about four or five degrees and there are sometimes chances of snow.”
She said hikers should bring a down jacket or fleece, proper footwear and their own food and water (a minimum of two litres). People who are hiking to the monument should bring three to four litres of water.
“We have experienced guides to take each group up and they have done this trek many, many times,” said White, adding guides will also be carrying first aid and emergency contact equipment.
Hikers are asked to meet at the Terry Fox rest stop located about six kilometres north of Valemount, B.C. on Highway 5, at 6 a.m. From there, hikers will carpool to the trailhead.
The hike is part of a national campaign to raise money for cancer research.
“Terry asked for a dollar from every Canadian and that’s been our goal this year with 35 million people in the country and it being the 35th year,” said White, in reference to it being the 35th anniversary of the Marathon of Hope.
In 1977, at the age of 18, Fox was diagnosed with bone cancer and was forced to have his right leg amputated 15 cm above his knee.
While in the hospital he was so overcome by the suffering of other cancer patients, he decided to run across Canada to raise money for cancer research.
After training for 18 months, Fox set off from St. John’s, N.L., on April 12, 1980, running 42 kms a day.
On Sept. 1, after 143 days and 5,373 kms, he was forced to stop running just outside of Thunder Bay, Ont. after his cancer reemerged in his lungs. Despite garnering little media attention while he was running, the entire nation was stunned by the news.
On June 28, 1981 at the age 22, he passed away. Since then more than $650 million has been raised in his name worldwide.
“We’re quite excited and looking forward to it,” said Darrell Fox about the hike. “It’s not for the faint of heart, it’s not going to be easy, but neither is running 42 kms every day on an artificial leg, and we’ll certainly be channelling Terry on Sunday when we try to make our way to the summit.”
Hikers arriving on Saturday evening are encouraged to head over to the Valemount Royal Canadian Legion for a meet and greet with Fox’s siblings starting at 5 p.m.
Following the hike on Sunday, there will be a debrief at the Caribou Grill in Valemount at 8 p.m.
“It will be a chance for people to get together again and share their experiences and talk about their day,” said White.
While this is the first year the Terry Fox Foundation has been involved in organizing the trek, this will be the 10th year locals have done the hike.
“I’ve gone up there every year,” said Patricia Thoni, president of the Yellowhead Outdoor Recreation Association in Valemount.
This year she will be leading a group to the viewpoint.
For those interested in participating in the event or donating money, visit www.terryfox.org and scroll down to the bottom of the home page.
Paul Clarke [email protected]
