‘The man who changed Canada’: Fred Fox visits students in Guelph, Ont. ahead of annual Terry Fox Run

Terry Fox’s brother wants to make sure the next generation knows his inspirational story. CTV’s Alexandra Holyk spoke with Fred Fox in Guelph.

Terry Fox embarked on his Marathon of Hope in support of cancer research more than four decades ago and now his older brother is making sure Terry’s legacy – and story – live on.

“He could never have imagined, 45 years ago when he was running across Canada, running through Guelph, that new generations of students would be doing their part,” Fred told CTV News on Friday.

Terry was diagnosed with osteogenic sarcoma, a type of bone cancer, in 1977. Because of the disease, his right leg was amputated 15 centimetres above the knee.

Three years later, in 1980, the 21-year-old launched the Marathon of Hope – a cross-Canada run to raise money for cancer research.

“Getting cancer changed the way he viewed things, and he wanted to help other people,” Fred said of his brother.

Terry ran through Guelph, Ont. on July 22, 1980.

On Friday, Fred returned to the city and spoke with students at St. John Catholic School.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity to share some personal things that happened with Terry as his brother,” he said. “What Terry was like when he was younger, and preparing for high school, and then eventually for the Marathon of Hope after a diagnosis for cancer.”

The Fox family’s story struck a chord in the crowd of elementary students.

“It was a really interesting perspective on Terry Fox, his life and the Marathon of Hope, what he accomplished,” said Grade 8 student Kieran Livie.

“It’s wonderful to hear the story of the man who changed Canada,” Mark Adam, another Grade 8 student, said.

On Sept. 1, 1980, Terry was forced to end his journey just outside of Thunder Bay, Ont. because the cancer had spread to his lungs.

“He asked Canadians to continue what he started, and that was to get us to a point where we’d eradicate cancer,” said Fred.

Students were inspired by Terry’s resilience.

“I used to always think talent was better than hard work, but after the story, I’m going to start working hard,” said Grade 8 student Einstein Sijo.

“He was very perseverant,” Adam said. “And never gave up. I think that we can use that, and everybody can use that in everyday life.”

So far, the Terry Fox Foundation has raised more than $900 million for cancer research, with majority raised by schools and communities taking part in the annual Terry Fox Run.

“We wouldn’t be where we are today, 45 years later, if not for so many people who picked up Terry’s torch and continued what he started,” Fred said.

The Terry Fox Run kicks off in cities across the country on Sunday, Sept. 14.