“This isn’t just a trip — it’s a mission,” says Cycling 4 Cancer cross-Canada bicyclist Tom Hartnett. “Every step I take is for the fighters, the survivors and the ones we’ve lost.”
Cycling 4 Cancer is a fundraiser that started June 1 and is ending in late August.
Hartnett started in Ontario and arrived in Alberta July 28.
Hartnett has beaten cancer twice and lost his father to cancer in early May. His aim is to raise as much money as possible, with 100 per cent of the funds going towards cancer research.
He is fully self-sufficient and covers all of his own travel costs and gear. “A lot of people share my story or take pictures with me. I get honks going down the highway all the time.”
“I’ve had a few people offer me money. I told them no – I didn’t want cash. They can take it to the Canadian Cancer Society. I would much rather them have it, than me.”
“I will be coming through Lethbridge, will take Highway 3 through the Frank Slide and will take that route up to Vancouver,” Hartnett explains.
Hartnett was in Brooks July 31 and was planning on heading to Drumheller first, and hopes to be in the Lethbridge area within the next week.
“The kindness of strangers across Canada has been absolutely amazing. If it wasn’t for them, I don’t know if I would be able to get by sometimes,” adds Hartnett.
Hartnett has hitchhiked across the country nine times. “Three times for charity. This is going to be my fourth time for charity, but my first time doing it on a bicycle.”
Two of the challenges biking across Canada include the hills and wind, Hartnett notes. “The weather is a little bit of a factor. The rainstorms aren’t too great.”
Hartnett has made the journey a personal mission to try and raise awareness about cancer, while raising money to give back to the world from the trip. “It’s kind of my way to grieve, just being on the open road.”
“I’ve raised almost $600, so far. I was hoping to raise more, but I’m happy with this $600. I was hoping to raise $10,000. I was trying to do a dollar a kilometre. I’ve done almost 8,500 kilometres, so far,” he says.
Cancer is indeed a big problem, Hartnett adds. “There needs to be more money raised to handle it, so people don’t have to deal with it. Especially children. No child should have to deal with cancer at all.”
“I appreciate the kindness of strangers getting me this far. I’m really enjoying Alberta, so far. This is my favourite province. I can’t wait to hit the mountains,” notes Hartnett.
For more information about the Canadian Cancer Society or if you’re in need of support visit online at cancer.ca.
Visit Hartnett’s fundraising page at fundraisemyway.cancer.ca/campaigns/Cycling4cancer.
Cycling 4 Cancer cross-Canada bicyclist Tom Hartnett.
(Photo submitted)