GNS Honours Terry Fox’s Legacy

On Wednesday morning, Middle and Senior School students headed to the turf for a campus-wide Terry Fox Run. 

At the age of 18, Terry Fox was diagnosed with osteogenic sarcoma cancer, which resulted in the amputation of his right leg. After his experience in the cancer wards, Terry knew he wanted to bring an end to the suffering cancer causes. On April 12, 1980, Terry dipped his artificial prosthetic leg into the Atlantic Ocean and set off to run across Canada to raise awareness and money for cancer research. Sadly, Terry was unable to complete his Marathon of Hope to the Pacific Ocean as the cancer had spread to his lungs and he was forced to stop. He passed away on June 28, 1981. A statue of Terry Fox can be found at Mile Zero near Beacon HiIll Park to mark the spot where he would have completed his run if he had been able to continue.

Each year, Terry Fox runs are held in schools and communities across Canada to inspire Canadians about Terry Fox, a historic Canadian figure, and his story of resilience and determination. 

Despite it being an early Wednesday morning, the atmosphere at GNS was bright and energetic. There were bubbles blowing from atop Denford Hall, pop music coming from hidden speakers, and cornhole stations set up at every corner of the field where students were gathered in their house teams. 

The teachers also joined in on the competitive spirit. In Caister-MacKenzie, Ms. Gottfried handed out red markers and face paint to any student lacking the colour red. Mr. Marthaller kept up the team spirit with random, cheerful sports chants. The Math and Science departments were more reserved: Mr. Giommi and Mr. Campbell, along with other teachers, were stationed at every corner of the route, ensuring no one got lost and providing encouragement. 

This is the third year that GNS has decided to organize a relay-style Terry Fox run, where students in their houses compete against other houses to earn the most points by running the most laps. Students started the run from Bank Street, and finished by rounding the corner into the Richmond parking lot where they were greeted by members of the Gryphon Government with Twizzlers. This year, Caister-MacKenzie took home bragging rights for running the most laps, with only one lap more than Dereham-Fraser. 

The Junior School students held their Terry Fox Run on Friday afternoon. The students learned about Terry during assembly and were asked to set a goal for their run. Under sunny skies, they ran, walked or skipped their way to the Oak Bay Marina and back with many parents joining in.

The aim of the Terry Fox run was to raise money and awareness for cancer research. More importantly, it was a reminder of Terry Fox’s resilience and determination. The Marathon of Hope is his legacy that hopefully will inspire future generations to continue with his dream to find a cure for cancer.