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Sparwood community sticks it to cancer

Record amount raised at Sparwood’s annual Terry Fox Run
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More than 110 people took part in this year’s Terry Fox Run in Sparwood. Kimberley Vlasic/The Free Press

The Sparwood community has stuck it to cancer, raising a whopping $10,000 to help find a cure.

A total of 112 participants and volunteers turned out to the town’s annual Terry Fox Run on Sunday, despite the cold, wet conditions.

They have so far raised $10,285.70 – the most in the event’s history – with more donations still to come.

Co-organizer Tracey Brook-Baker was visibly moved by the show of support after losing her mom Dale to cancer in June 2017.

“To me, it’s one step closer to finding a cure,” she said.

“She was very involved in cancer society and helping to raise funds to find the cure as well, so I’m happy I can carry that on.”

Brook-Baker has been helping to organize the Sparwood Terry Fox Run for the past four years, along with fellow resident Edie Holland, whose life has also been touched by cancer.

“I’ve personally been involved for the 38 years because I was a teacher in the school when Terry was doing the Marathon of Hope, so I’ve been involved in that and I have a lot of cancer in my family, people who have died, so I support Terry’s dream and I support cancer research,” said Holland.

Terry Fox was a Canadian athlete, humanitarian and cancer research activist, who in 1980, after having one leg amputated due to cancer, embarked on an east to west cross-Canada run to raise money and awareness for cancer research.

Every year, Terry Fox Runs are held in over 9000 communities across Canada in his memory.

The Sparwood event featured a silent auction and refreshments, and was supported by the local fire department, Fernie Ghostriders and a local dressed as Batman, who high-fived participants as they started the run.

To donate, visit Terryfox.org.

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Batman was handing out high fives at the Terry Fox Run in Sparwood on Sunday. Kimberley Vlasic/The Free Press