Terry Fox

Location Description

On the south edge of town, just north of the Juan De Fuca Strait. At the southwest corner of Beacon Hill Park, on the east side of Douglas St./Hwy 1 just north of where it dead-ends into Dallas Rd.

Bio

Terry Fox was a Canadian athlete and cancer research activist born on July 28, 1958, in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He is best known for his Marathon of Hope, an epic cross-country run to raise awareness and funds for cancer research.

Fox was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer, in 1977 and had his right leg amputated above the knee. Despite this setback, he was determined to make a difference in the fight against cancer and decided to run across Canada to raise money for research.

In April 1980, Fox set out from St. John’s, Newfoundland, on his Marathon of Hope. He ran an average of 42 kilometers a day and was cheered on by thousands of people along the way. Sadly, Fox was forced to end his run in September of that year after the cancer had spread to his lungs.

Fox’s Marathon of Hope inspired millions of people around the world and raised millions of dollars for cancer research. Today, the annual Terry Fox Run is held in communities across Canada and around the world, and it remains one of the largest and most successful charity events in the world.

Terry Fox died on June 28, 1981, at the age of 22, but his legacy lives on. He is remembered as a hero and a symbol of hope and inspiration, and his Marathon of Hope continues to inspire people to join the fight against cancer.

Monument Description

Created by Manfred Pervich, the 2.7 meter bronze statue of Terry Fox was unveiled approximately four kilometres west of the exact spot where Fox ended his run.

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