WREXHAM is set to be the first Welsh host of the Terry Fox Run later this year
Terry Fox was a 22-year-old athlete who lost his right leg to a rare bone cancer, osteogenic sarcoma. Running on a prosthetic limb, he made headlines worldwide in 1980 when he ran 3,339 miles over 143 days, an average of a marathon a day, across Canada.
He called it his ‘Marathon of Hope.’ Its purpose was to raise awareness and money for cancer research. Terry had to stop his run when the cancer spread to his lungs, and less than a year later, he died.
He’s now widely considered a Canadian hero and every year since 1981, Terry Fox Run is held in more than 60 cities around the world. To date, over £500 million has been raised for cancer research through these charity runs.
No city or town in Wales has ever hosted a Terry Fox Run, but on October 13, 2024, Wrexham will be the first.
Those interested in participating can run, walk, or cycle a 2.5km or 5km route around Bellevue Park. The event is free to enter and open to all abilities.
Entertainment and refreshments will be available, special edition Wrexham shirts launched by Ryan Reynolds will be sold, and a raffle for great prizes will be after the run.
Terry Fox’s older brother, Fred Fox, will be among many special guests in attendance. Fred serves as head of Supporter Relations at the Terry Fox Foundation.
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He said: “I am looking forward to meeting everyone inspired by Terry and involved in supporting cancer research in Wrexham.
"I’m grateful to Run Organizer Neil Johnson, his volunteer committee in Wrexham, and the ICR for coming together to bring the Terry Fox Run to Wales for the very first time. Most of all, I am so thankful for the volunteers and participants that keep Terry’s dream alive around the world.”
The Terry Fox Foundation has once again partnered with beloved Canadian actor, and Wrexham AFC co-chairman, Ryan Reynolds to launch its annual limited-edition Terry Fox Run shirt.
Ryan said: “As a Canadian, Terry Fox and his legacy have been a source of inspiration in my life for as long as I can remember.
"Having been a part of the Wrexham community for the last few years, it is truly remarkable to know that these two deeply meaningful parts of my life will soon come together in the first ever Terry Fox Run in Wrexham this upcoming October.”
Michael “Scoot” Hett, lead singer of the Declan Swans and a cancer survivor said: “I am pleased to support this cause, which is important to me and my family. Terry Fox has an inspirational story that resonates with so many across the world!
"It was great to see our first fundraiser so well received by locals embracing his story. I am sure the good people of Wrexham will turn out in force to support the Terry Fox Run Wrexham. This is an exceptional cause in honour of a legendary figure of cancer fundraising, Terry Fox."
For more information and to register: https://terryfoxrunuk.org/events/wrexham
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