Man running across Canada for cancer research passes through Ottawa
A Winnipeg man is running across the country to raise money for cancer research after being inspired by Terry Fox’s journey.
Jackson Charron-Okerlund spent the weekend running through Ottawa after starting his journey on the east coast in March. The 25-year-old has already raised thousands of dollars.
"The journey so far has been something I’ve never imagined," Charron-Okerlund said. "From all the support from everyone from all the way from the Maritimes, where we started, to all the way now to Ottawa."
Charron-Okerlund is calling his journey, 'Coast to Coast for a Cure.' He said the trip has been a lifelong goal after seeing the impact that cancer has had on so many people in the country.
"I might get a little tired, but so be it," said Charron-Okerlund. "When it comes to people fighting cancer every single day, they don’t get a break."
The runner averages a marathon a day. He started his journey in St. John’s, Newfoundland.
“The biggest spot for me is going to be Terry Fox’s final steps, but it’s going to be really sad to reach the final steps because from then on I’ll be alone and he never got to take steps past that point," he said.
His childhood friend, Robert Ingrim, is helping along the way.
"I usually drive about 10 kilometres ahead and that will be about two hours of walking for him or less if he’s jogging,” Ingrim said. "I’m there with food and water or if he needs to change gear because of the weather."
The pair had an initial goal to raise $50,000, and have already raised $35,000.
"Being able to raise this much money and it goes towards research and finding a cure, even paying for treatments, it’s something that’s really close to my heart,” Ingrim said.
The two are hoping to finish their cross-country trek in British Columbia by July.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
BREAKING Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Poilievre-led government 'would never' use notwithstanding clause on abortion, his office says
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
Miss Teen USA steps down just days after Miss USA's resignation
Miss Teen USA resigned Wednesday, sending further shock waves through the pageant community just days after Miss USA said she would relinquish her crown.
BREAKING 1 dead in rollover crash in Sharbot Lake, Ont.; 5 others injured
Ontario Provincial Police confirm one person has died after a single-vehicle rollover crash in Sharbot Lake, Ont. that seriously injured five others.
Cyclist strikes child crossing the street to catch school bus in Montreal
A video circulating on social media of a young girl being hit by a bike has some calling for better safety and more caution when designing bike lanes in the city. The video shows a four-year-old girl crossing Jeanne-Mance Street in Montreal's Plateau neighbourhood to get on a school bus stopped on the opposite side of the street