FOURTH ANNUAL 5K HONOURING AHSLEY COWAN RAISES $70,000
The fourth annual 5K to raise money for Ovarian Cancer Canada was held last Saturday. And money they did raise to the tune of $70,000.
A contingent of 400 strong attended the event that kicked off at Beau’s Brewery in Vankleek Hill. People ran, people walked, some accompanied by their favorite pooch, to complete the five-kilometer circuit on Newton road that had been blocked off, thanks to the Champlain Township workers who volunteered their time.
The annual event began in 2015. “Judith Roy, one of our employees, approached us when she found out that her friend Ashley Cowan had ovarian cancer. Judith wanted to do something to raise money. We told her that, of course, we would help,” explained Jennifer Beauchesne, Communications Director for Beau’s Brewery, who hosted the event.
Beau’s added some fun features including numbered bibs, an announcer and a big finish line to this year’s event, through a partnership with The Running Room. “Many of our employees were the same age as Ashley and went to school with her. So, we are very proud to support this event”, stressed Ms Beauchesne.
Ashley Cowan’s husband, Nicholas Courtois ran the 5K, twice. “Ashley and I had planned to run the 5K together, but in April we found out that the cancer had spread and she was given about a month to live. Before she passed away on May 31, I vowed to her that I would complete the circuit, once for her and once for myself, which I did.”
Courtois has been overwhelmed by the show of support for Ashley, for the Cowan family and for himself. “Vankleek Hill is a special place. I have never experienced such closeness. It’s like a big family and I still don’t quite know how to thank them and repay their kindness. One thing’s for sure, I will volunteer at events, whenever the possibility arises.”