Alliston Herald

Adjala-Tosorontio resident Jim Barrett is riding his recumbent bike in the upcoming Princess Margaret Hospital Ride to Conquer Cancer June 20. Local...
Maija Hoggett

Many local residents join the Ride to Conquer Cancer

BY Maija Hoggett June 13, 2008 17:06

Local residents are getting in shape for the Princess Margaret Hospital Ride to Conquer Cancer in June.

A number of people have signed up for the race, and are looking for the community’s help in raising money. To participate, each rider commits to raising $2,500 for the Toronto hospital. The 200-kilometre race starts in Toronto and ends in Niagara Falls and is scheduled for June 20 to June 22.

Alliston’s David Head is one of the local residents taking on the challenge. As a pharmacist he said he sees too many people diagnosed with cancer and wants to support prevention of the disease.

“If you could patent protection there would be no disease,” said Head.

Beeton’s Eileen De Courcy is racing in memory of her parents. When she was a teen, both of De Courcy’s parents died of cancer within 18 months of each other.

Jim Barrett lives in Adjala-Tosorontio and is excited put his love of cycling to a good use. He said it has always been a personal goal to take part in an important fundraiser. Because he already rides his bike to and from work in Alliston every day, the Ride to Conquer Cancer is his way of putting his love of cycling to good use.

Banting Memorial High School teachers Carol Kay and Marc Johnson are also planning to conquer the trail together.

“I don’t have the skills or knowledge to pick up a test tube and find a cure for cancer. But raising money and riding a bike is something I can do,” said Johnson.

Johnson’s training partner Kay feels the need to be pro-active and is riding for personal reasons.

Several years ago she was tested for Hodgekinson’s Lymphoma. The tests came back negative, but she said she still felt the fear and worry that goes with not knowing what the diagnosis will be. Close family members, including her father, have also died of cancer.

Alliston’s Tom Bruce and brother Greg are taking part in the race for their father, who has received treatment for colon cancer within the last year.

“We are riding on behalf of our whole family and all of our friends who have been affected by cancer,” said Bruce.

To make donations visit www.conquercancer.ca, click on Sponsor a Participant and type in the name of the person you wish to support.

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