Longtime resident Harry Bishop is turning 79 in July, and a few weeks after his celebration, he will be hopping on a bike and taking his first Ride to Conquer Cancer.
The ride happens on Aug. 27-28, starting in Vancouver and spans over 200 kilometres through the picturesque Pacific Northwest.
Harry says he is joining this ride to honour his family and friends who have lost their lives to cancer.
"I lost a cousin to leukaemia when we were kids. We were both only seven years old.
“My mother, brother, and other family members and friends have been taken by this disease. My mother died of brain cancer in 1996, my brother died of cancer in Nov. 2011 and I've lost too many close friends."
Harry has always donated to the BC Cancer Foundation, but he wanted to do more so he set a goal of raising $2,500 and has a Facebook page that welcomes people to donate and help him raise funds.
A couple of years ago, Harry gave away his good bikes, he was without wheels until a friend gave him an old three-speed bike that Harry says needs a bit of work cleaning up the rust and fixing the cables.
"I don't know how far I'll get – maybe just out of the parking lot.
"I have started a short workout program and the exercise will do me good."
The ride is British Columbia’s largest cycling fundraiser and has raised more than $70 million since the inaugural event in 2009. The funds raised support research and enhancements to care at the BC Cancer Agency.
To help Harry reach his goal, go to www.conquercancer.ca, click on donate and type in Harry Bishop.
Remember to keep a look out for Harry as he rides his bike on the local roads in preparation for the big ride.