Chippawa man eldest participant in cancer ride
John Gauthier is an 87-year-old prostate cancer survivor
Cleared of cancer this spring, Chippawa’s John Gauthier was the eldest registered participant in this past weekend’s Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer.
The 87-year-old prostate cancer survivor, together with his daughter, Jacqueline Stokoe, raised more than $12,000.
While Jacqueline, from Toronto, has been riding in the event for seven years, this was the first time for Gauthier.
She asked her father if he wanted to join her this year, and after raising $2,500, he was allowed to ride, then after raising $5,000, he was able to choose from where he wanted to participate. While the event can take participants between Niagara Falls and Toronto, Gauthier, who has lived in Chippawa for 60 years and raised seven children with his wife, Nancy, decided to ride from the Riverside Tavern in Chippawa to the finish line along the Niagara Parkway, near the Floral Showhouse.
“It was very good – I felt great,” said Gauthier.
“I could have gone farther, but I didn’t want to.”
In preparation for the ride, he worked out at a gym daily for several months, and rode his bike.
Gauthier said he stays in shape by visiting the gym, and by tak-
ing care of his garden, in-ground pool and cutting the grass.
“I feel great. I don’t have any problems. My wife, the same way, she feels good.”
Gauthier was a member of the SpiderTech Zimmering Pacesetters team, which raised $500,000 this year.
Gauthier was recognized at the ride’s camp night in Hamilton Saturday for being the eldest cyclist and for reaching the ambassador bronze level for raising more than $5,000 in donations.
“I really want to thank all my sponsors who really helped me and gave me this opportunity,” he said.
Family, neighbours and friends supported him throughout his journey, and donations came in from across Canada.
Stokoe said she rode from Toronto to Hamilton, then Hamilton to Niagara Falls, which was 210 kilometres.
She said she invited her dad to ride with her this year because he had just finished radiation and was waiting for the results.
“I know he is a fighter and he was determined to beat it. I know I am very lucky to have a dad at 87 years. But I am exceptionally grateful for having a dad that has beaten cancer and rode with to the finish line in the 2018 Ride to Conquer Cancer.”
The 11th annual ride raised $18.3 million to fund cutting-edge research at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre.
The money was raised by 4,555 riders and more than 1,300 volunteers.
The $18.3 million brings the total amount raised during the last 11 years to about $195 million.
Raymond.Spiteri@niagaradailies.com 905-225-1645 | @RaySpiteri