It was an afternoon to remember on Sunday when crowds gathered in Stonewall to participate in the Terry Fox Run alongside a very special guest.
Fred Fox, Terry’s older brother, travelled to Stonewall on Sunday, Sept. 17 to take part in the local event. Earlier that day, he also participated in the Winnipeg run.
“Our roots run deep here in Manitoba. Terry and I were born in Winnipeg. Our dad was born and raised in Winnipeg. Our mom was born in Boissevain and raised in Melita,” Fred said. “It’s been an amazing and emotional day.”
Over the decades since Terry Fox embarked on his original cross-Canada journey, his quest has raised more than $850 million and funded 1,300 cancer research projects.
“When Terry was running in 1980, he could never ever have imagined where we would be today. I was with Terry in northern Ontario only about 10 days before he had to stop in Thunder Bay. He and I talked about arriving in Winnipeg. He was so looking forward to that,” Fred said.
“We know that didn’t happen, but Terry would be so happy to know that not only Winnipeg but communities all over Manitoba are continuing his dream.”
Fred acknowledged the countless volunteers and participants who make these annual fundraising events possible year after year. More than 160 people participated in the Stonewall event this year, raising $22,000 and counting.
“I can probably safely say that each and every one of us has been touched by cancer in one way or another. That’s why we’re here,” he said.
“That’s why Terry was running, pounding out those miles every single day during the Marathon of Hope — 42 kilometres a day because he wanted to change where we are today with cancer research. He wanted to improve the survival rates for people who are diagnosed with cancer.”
Prior to the event, the local Lions Club hosted a well-attended pancake breakfast. Stephanie Roberecki and Scott Allan from Quarry Physio led the warmup in Quarry Park and presented Fred Fox with a $5,000 cheque for the Terry Fox Foundation, raised mainly by community members’ donations to barbecues the company hosted at their various locations.
The sunny September weather added to the exuberant atmosphere, which was bolstered by a bagpipe start by Shayne Campbell. Banner holders David and Laurel Yeo led the way in honour of David’s dad Dale Yeo, a 42-year Terry Fox Run participant who died in December 2022.
Participants of all ages took part in Stonewall event in all kinds of ways — including those with bikes, skateboards, strollers, wheelchairs and more. Stonewall Scouts were a welcome sight for walkers, runners and cyclists, since they operated the water station at the corner of 5th Street West and Keith Cosens Drive.
Adding to the excitement, Holly McAuley created Terry Fox bags that were sought-after prizes in a free draw at the event.
With a warm smile, Fred said he was glad to spend the afternoon in Stonewall, where his cousin’s daughter calls home.
“Stonewall is such an amazing community with big supporters over the years. It’s just a way of saying thank you. They do such a good job here,” Fred said.
“It’s amazing to know that communities big and small, here in Manitoba and right across the country, are continuing what Terry started. When he was in Toronto, he said ‘Even if I don’t finish, we need others to continue. It’s got to keep going without me’ — and Canadians have taken up that challenge.”
Afterwards, Stonewall Kinsmen barbecued hotdogs for hungry participants, while Fred Fox took time to sign hats, shirts and postcards for kids and other community members.
“Terry is also full of messages of working hard and never giving up,” Fred said.
“He believed that anything is possible if you try, and it’s a great example for kids as well.”
Tribune photos by Jennifer McFee
