Small town, big heart
Berwick residents participate in Terry Fox Run
When Terry Fox began his Marathon of Hope more than 36 years ago, he so intensely inspired Canadians that the feeling continues to resonate today.
Like many other communities, the Town of Berwick hosted its annual Terry Fox Run in support of cancer research Sept. 18. The run began and ended at the temporary town hall location set up at the Anglican Church.
Eric, Maggie and son Ethan Travis of Berwick participated as a family. When asked why it was important to him, Ethan said, “to help all the people around the world who are fighting cancer.”
“I’m going to try to help them by running this run,” said Ethan, who is about to turn nine.
Maggie said they’ve had several friends stricken by the disease. The run is a fun way to raise funds for a great cause, she said, while getting out, being active and “showing the community that you’re there for them.”
Eric said they’ve participated in Terry Fox Runs in Canada and while living in the United States. They recently returned to Berwick after Eric completed a three-year military posting in Georgia. He said it’s something they’ve always supported that’s near and dear to their hearts.
“In Warner Robins (Georgia), we ran our own Terry Fox Run,” he said. “We had some folks from the British military and some of the Australian NATO folks as well as the Canadians down there all taking part.”
Eric said when you think about what Terry Fox went through and what his wish was, “it’s about the purest form of charity you can really come up with.” Fox ran with the hope that other people wouldn’t have to experience what he had to endure.
Participant Charles Turnbull of Berwick said he’s missed only one Terry Fox Run in the past 35 years, due to a sprained ankle. He’s disappointed in hindsight that he missed it. Turnbull used to be a jogger, so he figured at the time that he couldn’t take part with a sprained ankle. However, he realizes in hindsight that he still could have “walked, limped, whatever.”
“I ran in different parts of Canada, wherever I was at,” he said.
He moved to Berwick more than three years ago and has participated in the town’s run ever since. Turnbull said it’s great to see young people in particular taking part.
Turnbull was inspired when Fox began his Marathon of Hope and this intensified about three years ago when Turnbull himself was diagnosed with cancer. This made it more personal. He said his sister-in-law is also a cancer survivor.
Mayor Don Clarke said they’re proud that Berwick has always observed the Terry Fox Run. He said it’s a little more meaningful this year, given recreation director Carol Boylan-Hartling’s recent battle with cancer. He said she has spearheaded keeping the run going.
Clarke said Fox’s Marathon of Hope has been “very impactful on this whole country” and “very inspiring.” When Fox realized after running half way across the country that he couldn’t continue, the seriousness of cancer resonated with Canadians coast to coast.
“People really identified with someone who did their best to try and fight a terrible disease and had to, in the end, succumb,” Clarke said. “But, his spirit was what mattered and has lived on. It’s a wonderful message, I think.”
Boylan- Hartling said they had about 30 participants this year, in spite of the threat of rain. Some people ran, walked, biked and there were a couple of young participants being pushed in strollers.
“We raised $1,715,” BoylanHartling said. “Not bad for a small town like Berwick.”
For more information or to make an online donation, visit www.terryfox.org.