(Posted 10:30 p.m., Sept. 16)
Orléans Terry Fox Run veteran joined by kindred spirit
By Fred Sherwin
Orléans Online

Nelson Waddell participates in His 32nd Terry Fox Run with his wife Irene (left) and his friend Vi Timmerman who is visitng from Terrace, B.C.. Fred Sherwin/Photo

For the past 32 years, Orléans resident Nelson Waddell has laced up his running shoes and joined millions of people around the world in carrying on the legacy of Terry Fox.

Waddell has participated in every Terry Fox Run since its inception in 1981 and this year he was joined by another 32 time participant, Vi Timmerman from Terrace, B.C.

Waddell and Timmerman have known each other for over 40 years. He and her husband served in the navy together in Victoria and then Halifax. Waddell was eventually posted to Ottawa and the Timmermans moved back to B.C.

They stayed in touch with each over the years, but neither knew of each other's admiration for Terry Fox or their ongoing dedication to the fight against cancer and the Terry Fox Run. In fact, it wasn't until Timmerman made arranged to attend a navy reunion in Ottawa, that the two old friends discovered their mutual accomplishment.

"Nelson told me about the local Terry Fox Run and that he had been in them all and I told him that I had done it every year, so I said we had to do it together. It's very special," said Timmerman before setting out on the Orléans course with Waddell and his wife Irene.

The air was cool and crisp when the event kicked off at 8 a.m., but by 9 p.m. when Waddell and Timmerman started their walk the sun was starting to warm things up.

Organizer Chris Goneau was happy to see a lot of familiar faces at this year's event, including the 40 plus members of Team Valerie who walked in memory of his daughter who passed away from cancer last summer at the age of 20.

The Orléans Terry Fox Run is among hundreds of similar runs held every year on the second Sunday after Labour Day in major centres and small towns across Canada. Terry Fox Runs are also held in more than 50 countries around the world.

All told the annual event has raised more than $600 million for cancer research without the aid of corporate sponsoorship as was Terry's wish. During his cross-country run, he turned down every endorsement he was offered for fear it would detract from his goal of creating public awareness.

(This story was made possible thanks to their generous support of our local business partners.)

Return to top

Return to Front Page