Cycling relay for cancer set to begin on Vancouver Island

A view of downtown Victoria. (Handout)

The inaugural End2End cycling relay fundraiser for a charity that helps families and children affected by cancer is set to take off from Victoria.

“It’s the first time we’ve done it. So there is the excitement about launching that,” says End2End team lead Andy Dunstan.

Eight riders have been raising money to support the Island Kids Cancer Association.

The team will be leaving Trek Bicycle Store Victoria at 6 p.m. Tuesday

Over 48 hours, the cyclists will ride from Victoria to Port Hardy and back. They’ve been paired up to take turns riding 50-kilometre segments around the clock.

“If we come back successfully, safely, having raised some money, raised some awareness and put it out to the public that this event is something they should support – then I see no reason why we can’t give it another kick at the can next year,” Dunstan said.

The IKCA works with families affected by childhood cancer on Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands.

It was founded in 2017 by Susan Kerr, who lost her son, Jacob, to the disease. The not-for-profit supports families with financial assistance, mental health resources, and outreach in hospitals.