Christy Clark is applauding a private members bill that pays tribute to one of B.C.’s most-loved heroes.
The bill, introduced in the B.C. legislature Thursday, seeks to declare the second Sunday after Labour Day as Terry Fox Day in the province.
That’s the day reserved for the Terry Fox Run, the annual fundraising event for cancer initiatives. First held in 1981, the annual event is now attended by millions of people in 60 countries.
The B.C. premier says preserving the legacy of Fox is overdue.
"Terry is a hero for every single Canadian. He personifies the humility that comes with greatness," Clark told CTV News.
Darrell Fox, Terry’s brother, said he’s happy the designation will come in time for next year’s 35th anniversary of the run.
"Terry Fox is everywhere across this country and around the world, but he was from Port Coquitlam. He was from the tri-cities area, and this province of B.C. was his home. So, that's why we're so excited," he said.
After losing a leg to cancer at age 18, Fox started his Marathon of Hope in April 1980 to raise money for cancer research. He was forced to end his journey less than five months later, and passed away in June 1981.
More than $650-million has been raised worldwide for cancer research in Fox’s name since his passing.
A memorial featuring a series of four bronze statues of the hero stands outside BC Place Stadium in Vancouver. The statues are running westward, towards Terry’s final goal of reaching the Pacific Ocean.
With a report from CTV News Vancouver's Julie Nolin
