This year’s Terry Fox Run, held at the College of North Atlantic in Qatar (CNA-Q) on National Sport Day, brought Fox’s sister Judith Fox Alder to Doha and raised  QR 127,735 for cancer research.
The Terry Fox Run,  an annual fundraiser for cancer research, saw the biggest turnout so far  in Qatar with around 1,700 people participating in the run.
CNA-Q employees, friends and family raised QR63,735 and the HSBC group raised an additional QR 64,000.
CNA-Q’s Sports Day celebrations also had a great turnout for a variety of activities, including tennis, cricket, badminton, volleyball, bocce, football and a performance of a hip-hop dance team.
CNA-Q Vice President P Norris Eaton said: “In the spirit of health and fitness, Qatar has created this day, which also brings us all together. We have come out to enjoy the weather, enjoy each other’s company and enjoy the fact that we can run, jump, throw and swim.
“Today is especially significant, as we not only celebrate the heroism of Terry Fox – first a Canadian icon and now an international icon – but also welcome his sister Judith Fox-Alder, international director of the Terry Fox Foundation.”
Judith commented that it seemed like yesterday that Terry had set off on his incredible journey to prove that cancer could be eradicated.  
“His impossible goal continues to inspire and excite us just as it did back in 1980. His simple, sincere and deeply moving act has remained as a beacon over the years.  His message, if anything, is stronger today than ever before,” she said at the event.
She said his effort had moved millions to commit to his plea so that cancer research is able to make giant strides.  
She said that CNA-Q’s dedication and commitment to the Terry Fox Run in Qatar provided hope and comfort to families whose lives were challenged by the diagnosis of cancer.  “Our involvement ensures that the legendary spirit of Terry’s dream lives on and the inspiration of his story provides comfort to those who deal with adversity,” she added.
Eaton elaborated on Judith’s own contribution, saying “now thanks to the work of Judith and the foundation, Terry’s legacy has gone global – some 30 countries now host the run. Terry’s memory still inspires people’s lives and raises money for cancer research.”
Terry was diagnosed with bone cancer at 18 and forced to have his right leg amputated six inches above the knee.
Terry was inspired by the other cancer patients and decided to run across Canada to raise awareness and money for cancer research. He began the run in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador in 1980, and ran across the province.
He passed away in June 1981 but his legacy lives on in the work of the foundation and the support of millions of volunteers throughout the world.