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Dozens brave weather for Prince Albert Terry Fox Run

Sep 16, 2018 | 3:10 PM

Tenille Wright hopes to one day make her way to Thunder Bay and complete the marathon her hero Terry Fox embarked upon 38 years ago.

The 11-year-old was one of about 20 who braved unseasonably cold temperatures and light mist to partake in Prince Albert’s Terry Fox Run Sunday. 

Nearly 1,000 runs are being organized in his name across Canada, including 40 in Saskatchewan. 

Fox ended his Marathon of Hope outside Thunder Bay in September 1980, after running on an artificial leg for 143 days, when his cancer returned, spreading to his lungs.

“His strength, determination and how brave he was at a young age going through cancer,” Wright cited as reasons why she admired Fox. “He proved everyone wrong.”

Vern Hodgins has taken part in a Terry Fox Run each year since the inaugural event in 1981. He’s ran in nine communities across Saskatchewan and has taken part in events in Manitoba and Nova Scotia.

“I started when I was a school teacher, teaching my class about his values; never giving up and perseverance,” he said. “We had some situations with cancer in our families, so I started to raise money, then retired, and kept raising money.”

He was thankful to see the small fleet of participants Sunday, noting the local run nearly ended a few years back.

Committee Chair Kerrie McCoshen said they hope to raise around $10,000, a number they have come close to in years past. She was likewise appreciative of all who came out to run and the bounty of volunteers on hand.

“It is amazing. Prince Albert has true good souled people. Many come out annually, but we always have new people here and it is great to see,” she said. “We hope to keep it growing.”

To date, over $700 million has been raised in Fox’s name for cancer research.

 

tyler.marr@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @JournoMarr