Tim Earl is gearing up for the 2012 Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer benefitting the B.C. Cancer Foundation.
The Sidney man looks forward to the camaraderie and meeting like-minded people whose lives have been touched by cancer as he will be joined by thousands of men and women who share one thing in common: the desire to make a difference.
Riders will travel more than 200 kilometres from Vancouver to Seattle for two days on June 16 and 17.
“Three years ago my wife Susan lost her younger sister to cancer. Amber was very close to our family and the loss was devastating for all of us,” he said. “The decision to take part in this ride was a way to honour her memory and continue to fight for a cure for cancer.”
Each rider must raise a minimum of $2,500 to participate. Funds raised during the fourth annual Ride to Conquer Cancer support cancer research, treatment and the discovery of new therapies.
“The more I read about the whole idea of it all, how directly you can pick – you can decide which division [of cancer research] your money goes to,” he said, “I just thought it was a really worthwhile event.”
It also drew him back to an activity he’d enjoyed in his youth.
“I had a bike sitting there collecting dust. … It’s something I really enjoy doing anyway,” Earl said. “I think next year I’d like to do it as a team.”
To donate to Earl, visit www.conquercancer.ca/goto/timearl2012. For more information, or to donate directly, email cycle2fundraise@gmail.com.