Terry Fox: National Historic Person
It has been more than 25 years since Terry Fox first inspired Canadians with his legendary “Marathon of Hope.” Parks Canada is thrilled to be able to commemorate the exceptional courage and extraordinary accomplishments of Terry Fox by unveiling three plaques from the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada: one near Thunder Bay, where he, sadly was forced to end his run; another near Port Coquitlam City Hall, where he grew up in British Columbia; and the third at the Signal Hill National Historic Site in Newfoundland, where he began his historic run across Canada. These plaques honour Terry Fox as a hero and highlight his 2008 designation as a person of national historic significance.
Terry Fox fought against his cancer in a bold way by organizing a run across Canada. He marked the start of his journey in Newfoundland on April 20, 1980, by dipping his artificial leg into the Atlantic Ocean. Despite the physical challenges he faced, Terry ran an average of 40 km a day and rallied Canadians together, all of whom participated in their own way by running with him or giving donations.
Although his failing health forced him to end his run in September 1980, Terry Fox influenced Canadians by raising cancer awareness and leading a massive fundraising campaign. His personal dream quickly spread and inspired the organization of many annual fundraising campaigns across the country.
For more information:
To learn more about Terry Fox and the Marathon of Hope:
Radio-Canada.ca video archives —
Le marathon de l’espoir
CBC.ca archives —
Terry Fox 25: Reliving the Marathon of Hope
Terry Fox Foundation