Abu Dhabi set to hold Terry Fox Run

Abu Dhabi, Jan 18 (IANS/WAM) Abu Dhabi will hold the 21st edition of the Terry Fox Run on Friday to commemorate Canadian cancer activist Terry Fox and to raise money for cancer research.

The Terry Fox Run is an annual non-competitive charity event held in numerous regions around the world. Funds raised in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) go to cancer research at the UAE University.

The run in the capital will start at Al Sahil beach on Abu Dhabi Corniche and continue will towards Mina Zayed Port. Onsite registrations will begin at 7 a.m. and the run will commence at 9 a.m.

The annual Abu Dhabi run has become the largest single-day fundraiser for cancer research, according to organisers.

"Abu Dhabi has the largest number of participants in one location around the world and I am filled with pride and gratitude that my brother's legacy continues in countries far removed our own," said Judith Fox, Terry's sister.

"With every Terry Fox Run, more funds are raised for cancer research and we come closer to eradicating a disease that touches the whole global community."

Thirty-seven years after his death at the age of 22, Fox continues to inspire thousands of people worldwide to run, walk and fundraise to find a cure for cancer.

Fox, who had bone cancer diagnosed when he was 18 and had to have his right leg amputated above the knee, famously embarked on a marathon run across Canada wearing a prosthetic leg to raise awareness and funds for cancer research.

The disease killed him 143 days and 5,373 km into the Marathon of Hope, in 1981, but each year since, thousands of supporters pick up where he left off and continue Fox's mission.

--IANS/WAM

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