Terry Fox trained in Prince George prior to embarking on his Marathon of Hope in 1980.
Parts of that marathon are coming back to the city.
The Exploration Place and the University of Northern British Columbia are teaming up to provide the most comprehensive exhibition ever organized on the run and Terry’s remarkable and continuing legacy.
Terry Fox – Running to the Heart of Canada will be presented at The Exploration Place and provides an in-depth look at Terry’s epic 143-day, 3,339 mile (5,373 kilometres) journey from St. John’s, Newfoundland, to Thunder Bay, Ontario. It explores Canadians’ deep and abiding affection for Terry and examines his unique place in our collective memory.
“One of the reasons that we have an organization like (The Exploration Place) in the North is to be able to Canada’s national treasures to all of you right here, locally,” said Tracy Calgheros, CEO of The Exploration Place to hundreds of people gathered for the Terry Fox Run. “I am absolutely thrilled to be able to tell you that, opening on October 15, we will have Terry Fox’s legacy exhibit here in Prince George over the course of the winter.”
Developed by the Canadian Museum of History in partnership with Terry Fox’s family, the exhibition features a wide array of artifacts and archival materials, displayed together publicly for the first time. They include Terry’s journal, artificial leg, and press clippings and media interviews.
In addition to that exhibit the iconic Marathon of Hope van will be on exhibit at The University of Northern British Columbia.
“Terry Fox was an inspirational leader for millions of Canadians and citizens around the world,” said UNBC President Dr. Daniel Weeks. “The qualities that Terry embodied are the same that UNBC strives to instil in our community members every day which is why it is such an honour to host part of this inspirational story on campus.”
The Marathon of Hope began with little fanfare on April 12, 1980 when Terry dipped his prosthetic leg into the Atlantic Ocean at St. John’s and began his gruelling marathon-a-day cross-country run to raise money for cancer research. His determination, courage and integrity soon drew the attention — and won the hearts — of Canadians from coast to coast to coast. His journey ended near Thunder Bay when the cancer that had claimed his leg returned, forcing Terry to abandon the project.
He died a national hero in June 1981, aged 22, having collected some $24 million — achieving his goal of raising $1 from every Canadian. To date, over $750 million has been raised in his name for cancer research.
Terry Fox – Running to the Heart of Canada is being presented at The Exploration Place from October 15th 2018 to January 13th2019. This exhibition is organized by the Canadian Museum of History in partnership with the Terry Fox Centre. It was first presented at the Canadian Museum of History, Gatineau, Quebec.
“During the Marathon of Hope and the months that followed, Canadians filled our home in Port Coquitlam, B.C., with scrapbooks, written tributes and gifts reflecting a collective compassion and admiration for Terry’s unselfish act,” said Darrell Fox, Terry’s brother, in a statement. “More than 35 years later, it was time to share the Terry Fox collection and the compelling story that the memorabilia evoke with the world.”
