The emergency services community across Vancouver Island will pedal for kids’ lives and raise money for life-saving childhood cancer research for the 27-year anniversary of Cops for Cancer.
“Nearly 100 kids each year will be diagnosed with cancer,” Matthew Campbell, Cops for Cancer director, said during the team announcement at St. Margaret’s School in Saanich on Friday (May 10).
A team of 17 riders train for the next four months ahead of a 14-day, 1200-kilometre Tour de Rock ride from Sept. 21 to Oct. 4.
“It’s a big sacrifice for families, partners, and children,” Campbell said.
Riders start in Port Alice and finish in Victoria.
Cops for Cancer on Vancouver Island raised over $30 million for pediatric research.
“We all need to do our part and give back. A person never stands so tall as when they kneel to help a child,” said Const. Cole Brewer, West Shore RCMP and steering committee member.
The investment has shown significant return, with five-year cancer survival rates increasing from 71 to 81 per cent.
Despite this, two out of three children diagnosed with cancer suffer long-term or late side effects from their treatment.
“All riders past and present will tell you that as challenging and difficult as the training and the 1200 km ride is, it is insignificant compared to what a child with a cancer diagnosis is going through,” Cole said.
Proceeds from Cops for Cancer also go towards Camp Goodtimes, which provides a supportive camping experience for 600 children, teenagers and family members each year.
“At camp, we get to be kids again, play and make friends, and connect with each other,” said Evelyn Tseng, a childhood cancer survivor.
Tour de Rock 2024:
• Sgt. Jereme Leslie - Saanich Police Department
• Const. Daniela Frohloff - Saanich Police Department (retired)
• Const. Steve Foster - Island District RCMP
• Const. Adam Foster - Westshore RCMP
• Const. Hayden Barrow - Westshore RCMP
• Constable Mary-Ellen Somerville - Sooke RCMP
• Const. Warren Kongus - North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP
• Const. Ian George - Nanaimo RCMP
• Const. Keeley Deley - Comox Valley RCMP
• Capt. Liam Kenney - CFB Esquimalt Military Police
• Steve Ward - BC Ambulance Service Victoria
• Chris Barrato - BC Ambulance Service/Sproat Lake Fire Department Port Alberni
• Chris Seeley - Guest Rider, Community of Campbell River
• Bailey Parker - Bell Media, Virgin Radio 107.3
• Nick Arnold - Vista Radio, Sun FM 89.7
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