Mayor Nancy Peckford’s Remarks:

Terry Fox had a dream. To fight cancer. And win. After losing his leg to cancer at the young age of 18, he dedicated his life to raise awareness of this deadly disease and to raise money for cancer research. He decided to turn an improbable dream into reality – to run across Canada raising money for cancer research.

Two years later, Terry began a cross-country marathon in my home province of Newfoundland. With fierce determination and hope, Terry ran an average of 42 km each day, every day for 143 days, through 6 provinces for a total of 5,373 kilometres. 

Terry ran his last day on September 1, 1980, in Thunder Bay, Ontario. Terry wanted the marathon of hope to keep on going without him.

The Terry Fox Foundation continues Terry’s mission of funding cancer research. Terry believed in science and gave his life to help others.

Every year Canadians participate in the Terry Fox Run in his honour, and to raise money for cancer research. To date the Terry Fox Organization has raised over $850 million.

While the events were virtual the past two years, individuals, teams and families came together in North Grenville and raised over $30,000 for the virtual Terry Fox Run.

Let’s keep it going again this year North Grenville!

This year’s event will take place in-person at the Ferguson Forest on Sunday, September 18th. Registration begins at 9:00am and the run or walk begins at 10:00am. Participants can choose to walk or run a 2, 5 or 10 km route as an individual or group.

While Terry lost the battle to the deadly disease, his passion and legacy live on. He is a household name and Canadians will not forget his incredible story of defiance and determination. Across Canada, schools and streets are named after him.

We have all been affected by cancer. Terry’s story and passion gives us hope – to realize a world without cancer.

Council has declared Sunday, September 18th as Terry Fox Run Day and will fly the Terry Fox Flag from Sept 13 to Sept 19th inclusive.