B.C. institutes "Terry Fox Day" to honour one of Canada's heroes

Dec 19 2017, 8:33 pm

B.C. will mark Terry Fox Day on the second Sunday following Labour Day from here on out, thanks to a bill introduced by the MLA from Port Moody-Coquitlam.

This past September 14, in stride with the annual Terry Fox Run fundraiser event, B.C. proclaimed the day “Terry Fox Day” in the province. Now that day of honour will take place in perpetuity following the introduction of a private member’s bill by MLA Linda Reimer.

“Terry is a hero for every single Canadian. He personifies the humility that comes with greatness,” B.C. Premier Christy Clark said, according to CTV News.

 

“Terry Fox is an inspiration to all Canadians and especially those of us here in the Tri-Cities,“ says Reimer. “The significant contribution and tireless efforts that Terry Fox made in our province, and to the countless lives he has touched, are a tribute to this rare individual.”

Terry Fox was raised in Port Coquitlam, B.C., and was diagnosed with cancer in his teens, which resulted in a leg amputation. During his cancer treatment, he was inspired to undertake a fundraising cross-country run, which he launched in April 1980. Unfortunately, Fox had to abandon the run in Ontario when cancer was found in his lungs. Fox died on June 28, 1981 at age 22.

Fox’ father, Rolly, says the proclamation of “Terry Fox Day” “pays tribute to the efforts of people in every B.C. community who further his dream of eradicating cancer through research.”

[youtube id=”xNqASpQ-9Eo”]

Featured image: Terry Fox Memorial at BC Place (Junichi Ishito/Flickr)

DH Vancouver StaffDH Vancouver Staff

+ News
ADVERTISEMENT