Opening Ceremony of the 35th Annual Terry Fox District wide School Run

Scope and Content: MLA for Lethbridge East, Maria Fitzpatrick, speaking during opening ceremony. In commemoration of the 35th anniversary of the Marathon of Hope, all the District 51 schools were invited to take part in a mass run. This initiative was proposed by a committee spearheaded jointly by Joy Fox, Terry’s Au…

History Biographical: Terry Fox, who had lost a leg to cancer, committed to running the length of a marathon (42.2 km or 26.2 miles) every day until he crossed Canada with the aim of raising funds for cancer research and raising awareness of the disease that affected people everywhere. The Marathon of Hope began in Newfoundland on April 12, 1980. Sadly, at the beginning of September 1980, the cancer had come out of remission and was affecting his lungs. He was forced to pause his Marathon of Hope. Terry passed away on June 28, 1981.The first Terry Fox Fundraising Run was held in Lethbridge on September 14, 1980. After 40 years, Lethbridge residents continue to organize and participate in runs to raise funds. Terry requested that all funds raised through these runs go towards cancer research, thus the runs are organized by local volunteers. As of 2020 Lethbridge run, organizers and participants have raised $470,850.

Scope and Content: MLA for Lethbridge East, Maria Fitzpatrick, speaking during opening ceremony. In commemoration of the 35th anniversary of the Marathon of Hope, all the District 51 schools were invited to take part in a mass run. This initiative was proposed by a committee spearheaded jointly by Joy Fox, Terry’s Aunt and Educational Assistant at Fleetwood, and Principal Broc Higginson of Fleetwood. Rolly Fox supported the initiative by delivering a speech about his son’s legacy. An estimated 3000 children gathered from 18 schools in the Lethbridge district. The students and staff raised approximately $15 000 for cancer research.

Notes: 20201027001 - denotes photos and 20201027002 denotes manuscript materials