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RAK Terry Fox Run
In March, people from all over Ras Al Khaimah will run, walk, skip, skateboard, rollerblade and
cycle through the city to raise money for cancer research in the UAE.
The event is the first annual RAK Terry Fox Run. Terry Fox was a young
Canadian who found the courage to organise a charity run across
Canada in 1980, called the Marathon of Hope, to raise awareness about
the importance of cancer research and funding. This was no easy task
for Terry, as he was an amputee – he had lost his left leg to bone cancer
at an early age.
Terry succeeded despite the odds, running 5,373 km over 143 days, and
helping to raise CAD 24.17 million – one dollar from every Canadian.
However, Terry’s cancer had returned, and he died shortly after his run,
at the age of just 22.
But his dream lives on in the Terry Fox Run events, which are held
around the world every year to bring communities together to raise
money for cancer research. It is now the world’s largest one-day
fundraiser for cancer research.
This will be the first such event in Ras Al Khaimah, and organisers are
hoping the local community shows how deep they can dig to support
the cause. Ken Forde, Recreations Manager at the RAK English Speaking
School, says the event is very relaxed and fun day.
“As this is a non-competitive event, anyone who has a passion for
cancer awareness and wants to help in the fight against the spread of
the disease is encouraged to participate,” Ken says.
“This is also a great opportunity to bring the whole community together
and we encourage all the schools, businesses, the local government, etc.
to get involved. We also need volunteers on the morning of the run, so
even if you don’t want to run, please sign up and help on the morning.”
To find out more about how you can help, or to register, simply head
to www.premiermarathons.com/rakterryfoxrun and download the
sponsorship forms. Then ask your friends and family to sponsor you –
every little bit helps!
The event kicks off early Friday morning, 5 March. Participants can
submit registration and sponsorship forms and receive their participation
wristbands from 7.30 am. There will be two types of runs, both of which
will start at 9.00 am.
People who are feeling fit can take part in the 5km distance race. There
is also a 3km distance for those that wish to walk, skateboard, skip,
cycle, or even push the baby stroller. The shorter distance is a great
chance for the family to join together for a good cause.
100 per cent of all money raised is remitted to research institutions that
are accredited by the International Union Against Cancer in Geneva. The
funds raised from the first RAK Terry Fox Run will be donated to the UAE
University Hospital in Al Ain, where a number of ongoing and impressive
cancer research projects are being conducted.
“Presently their projects include looking at the effects of chemotherapy,
developing cancer gene therapy, further breast cancer treatments,
testing various therapies against tumour growth, developing a possible
anti-cancer agent and establishing the early stages of mammary gland
cancer,” says Ken.
But to continue these important research projects, your help is needed.
So register on the website and start rounding up those sponsorships!
The Terry Fox statue in
Ottawa, Canada
WhAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
21 22
WhEN?
Friday, 5 March, 2010. Registration begins at 7.30am and
the runs start at 9am.
WhERE?
Ras Al Khaimah Corniche
hOW TO REGISTER?
Head to www.premiermarathons.com/rakterryfoxrun
WhERE TO FIND OUT MORE?
Visit www.teryyfoxrun.org or Facebook
www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=252308532325&ref=nf
or email terryfoxrak@gmail.com