Boyle to welcome special visitor for 30th Terry Fox Walk/Run
Pictured are students from Abbey Community College with Mr Flynn and Ms Moynihan with local organiser Damian Regan launching the Terry Fox Run which will take place in Boyle on Sunday, October 5th. The staff and pupils of ACC are hosting their own Run/ Walk in the locality and raising funds for the event on Friday, October 3rd and are appealing for support.
The 30th annual Terry Fox Walk/Run will take pace in Boyle on Sunday, October 5th and will be attended by Terry’s brother, Fred, who will be giving a presentation and calling to local schools in the area.
Damian Regan, on behalf of the organising committee, explained that year marks not only an incredible 30-year milestone but also a new chapter, as the event relaunches under the Terry Fox name - honouring a legacy of hope, courage, and determination.
“We are also very excited to announce that Terry Fox’s brother is joining us on the day. Fred and the Terry Fox Foundation are spreading the story of Terry’s legacy all around the world," said Damian. All monies raised at the Boyle event go to the Irish Cancer Society Research Fund.
Pupils from Abbey Primary School in the town are once again taking part in this this year’s event and are collecting sponsorship in the area. Students from Abbey Community College will host their own fundraiser on Friday, October 3rd by doing a walk in the area.
Terry Fox’s story is an inspirational one. The young Canadian athlete and cancer research advocate was diagnosed with bone cancer at the age of 18 and had his leg amputated above the knee in 1977.
In 1980, inspired by his experience in cancer wards, he decided to embark on a Marathon of Hope in aid of cancer research. On April 12th, 1980 he started off from St. John’s, Newfoundland on a journey across Canada. He ran an average of a marathon a day (26 miles/42 km) for 143 days with only one day off.
Sadly after completing two thirds of the way, 3339 miles/5374 km, Terry was forced to stop, as the cancer had spread to his lungs. He died on June 28th, 1981, one month before his 23rd birthday.
He changed people’s attitudes towards the physically challenged and with his unbreakable spirit and bravery showed anything is possible.
Terry’s Marathon of Hope lives on all around the world raising funds for cancer research and organisers of the Boyle event said they are delighted and proud to be able to return to the original name, thanking the local community and surrounding areas who have kept this event going for the last 29 years. Over the year the Boyle event has raised in excess of €200,000.
Speaking previously, Fred Fox stated: “This is a time to celebrate and take pride in what Terry started 45 years ago, and its impact on cancer research around the world.”
This year’s event in Boyle will start at 2 p.m. from St. Joseph’s Hall. This is a 5.4km Run/Walk for all the family. Everyone is welcome, whether you want to take part, have a cup of tea and some refreshments, or a chat - all are welcome. Entry is €10 for adults, children €5 and family concessions. The Terry Fox perpetual trophy designed by the late Frank O’Mahoney will also be presented to the first male and female.
All donations are welcome. There are also sponsorship cards available and if you raise €30 or more you get free entry and a free Terry Fox T-shirt. There will be a limited number of Terry Fox T- shirts for sale on the day. There will also be a raffle on the day for prizes donated by local businesses. There will be birthday cake and refreshments served afterwards.
For further details contact Damian 0863942388. You can also donate on our iDonate page Terry Fox Run Boyle. Follow on Facebook: Terry Fox Run Boyle and Instagram @terryfoxrunboyle.
All proceeds from this event will go directly to the Irish Cancer Society Research Fund, supporting vital cancer research projects across Ireland. The Irish Cancer Society is the leading national charity dedicated to cancer care, research, and advocacy. Every euro raised helps fund groundbreaking research, support services for patients and families, and public education initiatives aimed at prevention and early detection.
"By making a donation you are helping to care for people affected by cancer across Ireland. Your support helps provide expert nurses on the Support Line and in its Daffodil Centres, free counselling, lifts to treatment, ground-breaking cancer research, funding to families facing a childhood cancer diagnosis and so much more," said a spokesperson.
In 2025 alone, an estimated 44,000 people will receive a cancer diagnosis in Ireland with one in two getting a cancer in their lifetimes.
The Irish Cancer Society typically receives just 5% of its income from the Government, so it’s thanks to the public’s generosity that it can continue to provide vital free services and support to ensure nobody in Ireland faces cancer alone. These generous donations fund groundbreaking cancer research, trials and crucial, free support services for people affected by cancer, throughout Ireland.
The Terry Fox Foundation has raised more than $950 million worldwide and funded over 1,300 innovative cancer research projects. Each year, communities, schools and more hold a Terry Fox Run to raise money, inspiration and awareness.
