Tantramar residents walk, run, bike in support of Terry Fox Run

More than $3,700 was raised for cancer research throughout the Tantramar area on Sunday as nearly 200 people came out to show their support during the 29th annual Terry Fox Run.

The rain held off for most of the afternoon as residents of the Tantramar area - in Sackville, Port Elgin and Murray corner - came out to walk, run, rollerblade or bike in support of the cause.

The Terry Fox Run, a non-competitive event where people get together as individuals, families and groups to raise money in Terry's name, is a day of celebrating Terry's legacy and helping to keep his dream of a cure for cancer alive.

In Murray Corner, the annual Terry Fox Run and community fundraising supper brought in $1,774.

"I thought that was pretty good," said local organizer Eva Walton.

Walton said the potluck supper, which everyone in the community contributes to in support of the Terry Fox Foundation, has been a 25-year tradition that has turned into a very successful initiative. All the food for the supper is donated by local residents and those attending are asked to make a donation to the Terry Fox Run.

"We do it different here than everyone else . . . but it works, so we don't change it."

In Sackville about 120 participants took part, raising about $1,700. Sheila Parker was the top fundraiser this year, bringing in $306.

Organizer of Sackville's run Deanna Cadman said she was pleased with Sunday's turnout, although numbers were down a bit from last year.

"Everything went really well," said Cadman. "It's always nice to see the younger kids out . . . and Mount A's such a great supporter with the women's hockey team coming out."

Cadman said she was particularly thrilled with the "awesome volunteers" that came out to help during the event.

In Port Elgin, 15 enthusiastic individuals of all ages (including longtime participant 94-year-old Donna Chapman) turned out for the Terry Fox Run at the exhibition grounds on Sunday afternoon.

Run organizer Terry Murphy said despite the smaller numbers, $311 was raised by the tiny village.