Cyclists from police services across Canada ride more than 700 kilometres to remember those fellow law enforcement officers who have made the supreme sacrifice serving the people of Canada.
The ride ends on Parliament Hill in Ottawa at the National Memorial on Parliament Hill. The Annual Memorial Service for fallen police/peace officers takes place on Sunday, September 28.
At each stop along the ride a bicycle is given by the OPP Youth Foundation to a deserving youth in the community.
Nine-year-old Junior Sergeant from Port Hope was the youth who was chosen as the recipient.
The cyclists arrived in Port Hope around noon on Thursday, September 25, 2025 for a break in their journey.
Sergeant was there to receive his new bicycle and helmet, but seemed a bit upset that he was missing his schools annual Terry Fox Run.
When hearing the news, organizers of the ride had another special surprise.
Sergeant met the brother of Terry Fox who was one of the cyclists participating in the ride.
“I didn’t get to do it today because I’m here right now,” Junior said to Darryl Fox and OPP officer Adam Belanger.
Fox replied, “there are other years you can participate and I’m Darryl Fox. I’m Terry’s younger brother.”
Both Fox and Belanger spoke to the youth about the Terry Fox Run with Sergeant proudly showing them the Terry Fox Run tattoo on his hand.
Fox graciously took a few moments during a break in the ride to speak to Today’s Northumberland.
“I thought it was quite special that he would mention that, that he was missing the Terry Fox Run. It’s a statement to see how young people are responding to Terry’s legacy and his story of hope and determination.”
With September being, “prime Terry Fox season,” with over 10,000 schools across Canada taking part in Terry Fox Runs.
“As a family we know Terry is in very good hands because of young people like Junior who are going to continue the tradition long after those of us who witnessed Terry’s Marathon of Hope are gone.”
Darryl Fox was 17-years-old at the time of his brothers Marathon of Hope.
“I had the incredible journey opportunity to be the third member of the Marathon of Hope joining Terry in St. John, New Brunswick and spent the next 93-days witnessing a miracle. And here I am 45 years later able to communicate and share that story.”
Thinking back, Fox thought he was witnessing something special at the time of Terry’s run.
“Whether it would reach this magnitude 45 years later – no. But I did realize at that very young age – I knew that I was witnessing history in the making.”
Everywhere Darryl travels he hears stories regarding Terry and people that have been touched by cancer.
“I’ve heard quite a few today and I’m a sponge for all those stories and I’ve got this incredible gift that I’m able to say that I’m Terry Fox’s brother.”
“Canadians have picked up the baton. Terry said the Marathon of Hope must continue without me and that’s exactly what has happened.”
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
