Prime Minister Harper pays tribute to Canadian hero Terry Fox

Office of the Prime Minister
News Release

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THUNDER BAY - Prime Minister Stephen Harper paid tribute to Canadian hero Terry Fox by visiting the Terry Fox Monument near Thunder Bay Friday.

The prime minister’s visit comes just ahead of the 30th annual Terry Fox Run, taking place in communities across Canada on September 19.

“Terry Fox is a true Canadian hero,” said Prime Minister Harper. “In his Marathon of Hope and determination to find a cure for cancer, he embodied values that Canadians hold dear such as courage, optimism and an unfailing belief that ordinary Canadians can achieve extraordinary things.”

The Terry Fox Monument was erected near the site outside Thunder Bay where Terry Fox ended his Marathon of Hope on September 1, 1980.

He passed away on June 28th, 1981.

The monument, with its view of Lake Superior, is a moving tribute to Terry Fox’s incredible courage and his journey, which lasted 143 days and covered 5,373 kilometres.

“The image of Terry Fox running along Canada’s highways is forever etched in the memories of those who witnessed it in person or through the power of film and television,” continued the prime minister. “On September 19, I encourage Canadians to once again carry on where Terry left off and run to fight cancer.”

The first Terry Fox Run was held in 1981.

The month of September was chosen to reflect the month in which Terry decided to end his run.

Since 1981, millions of Canadians have taken part, making the run one of the largest single-day cancer fundraisers in the world.

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