'I lost a good friend to cancer this week': Participants honour loved ones in 41st annual Terry Fox Run
For the second consecutive year during the pandemic, walkers and runners did the annual Terry Fox Run without any pomp and circumstance.
The run was 'virtual' again, which meant participants were supposed to just do their run on their own terms.
Among the hundreds who ran past the Terry Fox Memorial at Greenway Park in London, Ont. was the Strong Family.
"We're doing a memory of my sister Maureen who passed away at the age of 40 in 2007," says Ray Strong, alongside his sister Maryanne.
When Maureen passed away from colon cancer, her nine siblings, parents and extended family began doing the Terry Fox Run.
"We wanted to do something in memory of her," says Strong.
"So that's when we kicked this off 14 years ago. So we've been very successful, as to date, I think our current total is around $230,000 for the 14 years.”
The Strong family from Windsor, Ont, Newmarket, London and Grand Bend met in London, Ont. to do the 41st Annual Terry Fox Run in London, Ont. on Sunday, Sept. 19, 2021. (Brent Lale/CTV London)
The Strong's are some of the contributors to the Terry Fox Foundation which has raised $750 million. Organizers in London are calling this year's event another success with online totals surpassing $90,000.
Among those pounding the pavement on the Terry Fox Parkway were a couple of 'Everytimers.' Seventy-six-year-old Keith Tapp, and 74-year-old Tom Massel have participated in all 41 Terry Fox Runs.
"I have to keep doing it," says Massel.
"I just lost a good friend to cancer just on Wednesday. Her passing is another reminder of why we should be doing this and trying to raise funds to try to reduce the pain from families and individuals.”
Massel says he plans on continuing to do this run every year as long as he's healthy.
"I walk a little more now, that's why I am able to keep doing it," joked Massel.
Terry's brother Fred calls it a 'day of reflection.’
"I think about my mom and dad today who are both not with us anymore," says Fred Fox, Terry's brother.
"They did so much hard work over the years. So, today is a day of thankfulness as well for what people have done to keep Terry's dream alive.”
Keith Tapp, 76, of London, Ont. is one of the 'EveryTimers' who have done all 41 Terry Fox Runs in London, Ont. on Sunday, Sept. 19, 2021. (Brent Lale/CTV London)
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Saskatchewan isn't remitting the carbon tax on home heating. Why isn't my province following suit?
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Caleb Williams goes to the Bears with the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL draft
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.
Body of Quebec man who died in Cuba found in Russia, family confirms
A Montreal-area family confirmed to CTV News that the body of their loved one who died while on vacation in Cuba is being repatriated to Canada after it was mistakenly sent to Russia.