Almost Dh18m raised for cancer in UAE as Terry Fox continues to inspire

People take part in the Terry Fox run on along Abu Dhabi Corniche. Delores Johnson / The National

Thirty-seven years after his death at the age of 22, Canadian hero Terry Fox continues to inspire thousands of people worldwide to run, walk and fundraise to find a cure for cancer.

Mr Fox, who had bone cancer diagnosed when he was 18 and had to have his right leg amputated above the knee, famously embarked on a marathon run across Canada wearing a prosthetic leg to raise awareness and funds for cancer research.

The disease killed him 143 days and 5,373 kilometres into the Marathon of Hope, in 1981, but each year since, thousands of supporters pick up where he left off and continue Fox’s mission.

Terry Fox on his Marathon of Hope in 1981. Boris Spremo / Toronto Star via Getty

“It has continued to grow,” said Fred Fox, his brother. “The Terry Fox Run in Canada and around the world has raised close to $800 million Canadian dollars since 1981. Over 30 countries host Terry Fox Runs with so many more people being inspired by what Terry did. More and more people, young and older learn about Terry, have been touched by cancer and want to do what they can to keep his dream and legacy alive.”

In the UAE, close to Dh18 million has been raised from annual Terry Fox Runs held across the country to date. Funds raised in the UAE go toward cancer research at the UAE University.

“It’s projected to raise approximately Dh720,000 in the UAE in 2018,” said Mr Fox. “From funds already allocated for research projects and estimated fundraising, Dh3.2 million will be available for research projects in 2018, giving researchers in the UAE the opportunity to make a difference.”

The annual Abu Dhabi run has become the largest single-day fundraiser for cancer research, according to organisers.

“Abu Dhabi has the largest number of participants in one location around the world and I am filled with pride and gratitude that my brother’s legacy continues in countries far removed our own,” said Judith Fox, Terry’s sister. “With every Terry Fox Run, more funds are raised for cancer research and we come closer to eradicating a disease that touches the whole global community.”

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The 21st Terry Fox Run Abu Dhabi will be held on Friday at the East Plaza on the Abu Dhabi Corniche at Al Sahil Beach. Onsite registration and t-shirt pick up for the 8.5 km run begins at 7am and the run commences at 9am. The run is free to participants.

Donations are encouraged, either through t-shirt purchases or monetary donations. Companies are requested to register online or by emailing [e-mail]. Pre-registration is now open where participants can sign up in advance for the Run, make online donations and order t-shirts.

“It was Terry’s goal to raise money for cancer research,” said Fred Fox. “He wanted to impact cancer research and know that the survival rate of a cancer diagnosis would be much better in the future. This is still the goal almost 38 years after Terry ran his Marathon of Hope for the Terry Fox Run. All though research has greatly improved there is still much work to be done and Terry Fox Runs continue to raise money in keeping Terry’s dream alive.”