A group of cyclists who were seriously injured when they were struck by a van last month say support from the community has been overwhelming and is helping them heal.
"It just warms my heart and I want to thank you so much that I have hundreds more motivators, coaches, cheerleaders just helping us get through this," said Cathy Anderson at a fundraiser at the Arrow and Loon Pub on Bank Street on Monday night.
Anderson said she can't remember the van that hit her and four of her friends as they road their bikes along March Road on July 19. Still, she will never forget the ordeal she's going through.
Neither will her friend Rob Harland. While he was in hospital, he got visits from strangers who came by his room to offer their support: "It all means so much to me," he said.
Hilary McNamee and Mark White were also injured in the crash. While four of the cyclists have been released from hospital, their friend, Robert Wein, remains in a coma.
The incident has inspired others who've faced adversity while riding on the road to reach out and share their stories.
John Gilles, who was hit by a car when he was biking five years ago, offered the cyclists some advice on Monday.
"The initial trauma is an ordeal and years of recovery . . . take a lot of strength from yourself and those around you," he said.
The collision also caught the attention of famed cyclist Lance Armstrong, who offered the cyclists his best wishes for recovery via his video blog. As part of the fundraiser, he's put a bib from the Tour de France up for auction.
A 45-year-old man has been charged in connection with the crash. Sommitt Luangpakham turned himself in to police. He faces five counts of failing to stop at the scene of an accident causing bodily harm.
With a report from CTV Ottawa's Jamie Long
