ISLAMABAD, Nov 28: Over 1,500 people showed their support for cancer research by continuing the legacy of a Canadian icon at the first annual Terry Fox Run at Fatima Jinnah Park here on Sunday.
The event brought out people of all ages and nationalities who raised 580,000 rupees for cancer research and awareness at Shaukat Khanum Memorial Hospital in Lahore.
There are Terry Fox runs not just in Canada and now it's finally come to Pakistan, that's a monument that goes way beyond Canada, way beyond where it started and it's really become a big thing and it's a good tribute to his memory, said Fred Matern, who works at the Canadian High Commission and has been living in Pakistan since October.
In Canada, the name Terry Fox is synonymous with cancer research. At the age of 18 Terry was diagnosed with bone cancer. His right leg was amputated above the knee. While in the hospital, he was touched by the stories of people suffering from cancer.
Wanting to do something about it, he promised to use his talent as a runner to raise money for cancer research. He pledged to run across Canada, and he called his mission the Marathon of Hope.
Terry Fox began his run on April 12, 1980, in St. Johns, Newfoundland. He ran 42 kilometres every day for 143 days. By September that same year, he made it nearly halfway across Canada to Thunder Bay, Ontario. By that time the cancer had spread to his lungs and he was unable to continue. He died at the age of 22 in 1981. But that was not the end of his mission.
The Terry Fox Run has been held in Canada every year since his death. He is a Canadian legend, and now his mission has spread all over the world to over 50 countries including India, the Philippines, Syria and Afghanistan. This year, for the first time, that list includes Pakistan.
Although the Terry Fox Run started in Canada, his message of hope brings with it a message of cooperation. Here we are not talking about politics, trade, or economics, said Jean-Francois Hubert-Rouleau, the High Commission's immigration counsellor. "We are talking about human stuff and it gives a great opportunity for us Canadians to show to our Pakistani friends a face they are not used to seeing."
The first-time run is also a boost to Pakistan's image, which in some parts of the world is seen as a centre of terrorist activity and religious extremism. The impression people have of Pakistan is that it's a terrorist den and al-Qaeda hub after Afghanistan, and we are trying to change that and say you can have fun here, said Anjuman Rahman, media officer at the High Commission.
The event helps put Pakistan in the international community by showing that people here are committed to the universal fight against cancer. Canadian spirit was everywhere, with the Canadian flag hanging along the Pakistani flag at the park entrance. Children carried red and white balloons with the Canadian logo, and the Canadian flag was even painted on some faces.
