BRIDGEVILLE, N.S. — Bridgeville resident Edie Green was working in Manitoba when she first heard of Terry Fox and his mission to run across Canada. Like many Canadians, she became captivated by his journey.
“It was fascinating to watch,” she said. “I had already booked off work for when he reached Manitoba.”
Unfortunately, he didn’t make it. Terry Fox's Marathon of Hope, which started in St. John's, N.L., on April 12, 1980, ended on Sept. 1, when Terry was forced to stop running outside of Thunder Bay, Ont., after cancer had appeared in his lungs. Terry passed away on June 28, 1981 at the age 22.
Still Green finds inspiration in Fox’s story and is determined to keep his mission alive by hosting the annual Terry Fox Run in Bridgeville. The loss of a young nephew to cancer added personal motivation for her.
For a rural run, the Bridgeville event is known for drawing a crowd and Green hopes it will continue to inspire people.
“I think it gets people's attention that cancer has to be beaten,” she said.
She loves to see youth particpate in the event each year. These youth often learn about Terry Fox at school and are eager to take part. Green loves to see them come proudly up to the donation table to pass in the change they’ve collected.
This year’s event will be held Sept. 15 at the Bridgeville Community Centre from 1 to 3 p.m. A lunch will be served afterwards. There is both a short and long route that participants can choose between and they can either walk, run or bike.
A run will also be held Sept. 15 in Pictou at 2 p.m., leaving from the Hector Quay on Caladh Avenue, and also in Stellarton, leaving at 2 p.m. from the Medical Hall Pharmasave on Foord Street.
