The family of Canadian athlete and cancer activist Terry Fox has climbed Mount Terry Fox to mark the 35th anniversary of the Marathon of Hope.
Friends and family members began the trek up the mountain, located about 10 kilometres north of Valemount, B.C., on Sunday. The mountain was named after Terry Fox in 1981, just weeks after he died from cancer.
Fox became a national hero after embarking on a cross-Canada run, dubbed the "Marathon of Hope," in 1980 to raise money and awareness for cancer research.
Since his death, Canadians have participated in annual runs across the country in his honour. The runs also raise money for cancer research.
On Sunday, Fox's brother, Fred Fox, reflected on the lasting legacy of his brother’s accomplishments.
"There's still a lot of work to be done. We all know of somebody that we've lost (to cancer) in the recent past," Fred Fox told CTV News Channel.
"We all play a part, and Terry said that if you've given a dollar, you're part of the Marathon of Hope."
Fox was diagnosed with a form of cancer known as osteosarcoma, which resulted in one of his legs being amputated. Undeterred, he embarked on a cross-country run on April 12, 1980 near St. John's, N.L.
On Sept. 1, 1980, after running more than 5,300 kilometres, Fox was forced to stop near Thunder Bay, Ont., due to his health. He later announced that his cancer had returned and spread to his lungs.
He died on June 28, 1981 at the age of 22.
This year's Terry Fox Run is set for Sept. 20. Interested participants can check the Terry Fox Foundation website for local run listings.
