Runner Proctor offers body up for research
CALGARY — Dave Proctor propelled himself along the Trans-Canada Highway with hopes of raising money for research as he neared Calgary on his cross-country run.
The 37-year-old from Okotoks, Alta., is attempting to set a speed record crossing the country in 66 days, while raising over a million dollars for the Rare Disease Foundation.
His nineyear-old son, Sam, has a rare disease affect- ing his mobility and balance. He must average 108 kilometres per day to reach St. John’s N.L., by Aug. 31, beating the 1991 record of 72 days and 10 hours set by Al Howie. When Proctor reaches the outskirts of Calgary on Friday, a team of scientists from the University of Calgary and Alberta Health Services will poke and prod him to study his body is able to handle such intense mileage. His heart, lungs and arteries will be examined and blood drawn to look for signs of inflammation and stress.
“Dave is not an ordinary Joe like we are running and then getting tired,” said Dr. Antoine Dufour. “He’s kind of a superhuman if you will. Some things will be quite unusual with him in a good way and we want to find out what that is.”
Since Proctor is running to raise money for research, he was willing to offer up his body for it.
“I’m a geek and I absolutely love hearing about research like this,” Proctor said.