An Inspirational Journey: Following the history of Terry Fox in Hastings County.

In 1980, a young Canadian named Terry Fox embarked on his Marathon of Hope, running across Canada to raise funds for cancer research, beginning what has since become a remarkable legacy.

Terry Fox began his journey to run across Canada after losing his leg to cancer at the young age of 18. Following 16 months of treatment and witnessing the pain and suffering caused by cancer, Terry was motivated to make a change by raising funds to support cancer research and put an end to this disease.

With tremendous perseverance and determination, Terry set out with the goal of raising $1 for every Canadian towards a cure. He ran close to 42 kilometres per day from St. John's, Newfoundland, to Thunder Bay, Ontario where sadly, he had to stop due to cancer returning. Although he was forced to stop, his legacy continues.

As many know this incredible story you might not know that during the Marathon of Hope, Terry Fox passed through Hastings County as he ran for a cure. On July 5th and 6th 1980, Terry made his way along Highway 7 entering Tweed, and travelling through Madoc and Marmora with some stops along the way as he continued his journey west.

July 5th, 1980 - Terry Fox entered Hastings County running westbound through Tweed, on Highway 7.

With an OPP escort, he journeyed along Highway 7 and after about 3 hours after entering Hastings County through Tweed he stopped here at the corner of Highway 7 and St Lawrence Street where he was thanked by the OPP officer who generously welcomed Terry back to his home to his pool to cool off, he politely declined and made his way towards downtown Madoc. When he arrived in Madoc, he had covered 3268 Kilometeres.

Source: www.intelligencer.ca/news/local-news/following-terry-fox-40-years-later

Terry Stopped along St. Lawrence Street East close to the Gas Station for an Interview

Watch Full Video Here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zlcw_v_YaRk&t=2s
Thanks to Terry and Eileen Pigden of CHTV Madoc.

In the video, he talks about his goals, and how much he has raised as well as how to donate. He talks about the challenge of running all day long, and waking up each day at 4 in the morning. He speaks of the encouragement along the way, and says “I can't picture myself quitting, that when times are hard they aren't always going to be like that, so I will keep on going until they do.” He shows how his custom prosthetic leg works and he leaves saying:

“I’m trying to raise as much money as I can for cancer, and I'm trying to be an example, a good example, to people.”

If he only knew how much he has achieved that to this day.

July 6th, 1980 - Terry departs Madoc and heads to Marmora.

The next day on July 6th Terry stopped in Marmora at his 12-mile break, Terry was given a reception and a church organ played ‘He’s got the whole world in his hands’.

At the IGA Parking Lot (Now Valu-Mart) he was greeted by upwards of 500 people and shown the incredible generosity of the community as together in a matter of 4 short days they pulled together $2300 for the cause which adjusted for inflation is approximately $8500 today.

Source: www.marmorahistory.ca/stories/2015/6/1/terry-fox-in-marmora-35-year-ago

Touched by the support of the community he was quoted in the Marmora Harold saying:

"Not only does it help me keep going, not only does it help me spiritually and morally, it helps to find a cure for cancer."

and

"You'll never hear that Terry Fox quit. You may hear that I couldn't make it, but it won't be because I quit.

Exits Hastings County: Approx 312 Boyd Road and Highway 7.

Note: Terry Fox ran this route with police escort. Running along highways and roadways can be extremely dangerous and should not be done. If you want to participate in the initiative you can find a list of runs locally here: terryfox.org/terry-fox-run/

In September, runs are held across Canada and the world to honour Terry Fox's legacy and continue the fight against cancer by raising money for research and initiatives. There are numerous runs taking place across Hastings County. Please visit TerryFox.org to find a list of dates and donation information.

Here are a list of Runs happing in person and online in our region:

Marmora

https://run.terryfox.ca/55805

Registration: 9:30am

Start to Close Time: 10:00am-2:00pm

Location: Marmora Fairgrounds

North of Highway 7 - near Crawford & Victoria

Accessibility: Bicycle, Wheelchair

Bancroft

https://run.terryfox.ca/55735

Registration: 8:00am

Start to Close Time: 9:00am - 12:00pm