Pedal for Hope rides into the County to fight childhood cancer

Enthusiasm to support the fight against childhood cancer rang out Monday as police officers cycled into Prince Edward County on opening day of the fifth annual Pedal for Hope campaign.

Kim Guthrie and Troy Bellehumeur, from Prince Edward OPP, and officers from Belleville Police Service, cruised into the County on a chilly, and sometimes snowy first day of the 10-day tour stopping at Massassaga Rednersville, Kente and CML Snider schools.

In the weeks leading up to the tour, students fundraise to support childhood cancer research through the Canadian Cancer Society, then participate in high-energy assemblies that feature head shaves, ice-cream eating, bike races and educational messages about fighting cancer and living healthy lifestyles.

PEC’s officers are riding this year in support of the County’s Abigail Heffernan and Ella Mulder, who are undergoing cancer treatments.

Day one saw the 18 team members pedal 39.8 km and collect $6,595.50 for the cause. Tuesday they will embark on a 63 km tour to St. Gregory’s, Athol South Marysburgh and Pinecrest schools. Wednesday is a combined visit with Queen Elizabeth School students at PECI before heading to Sophiasburgh school then Tyendinaga, Marmora, Stirling, Frankford, Tweed, Foxboro, Madoc, Bayside, Belleville and Trenton.

This year, the final wrap up event – dubbed the biggest Birthday Party in the City – will be on Friday, May 6 at the Belleville location of Canadian Tire starting at 4 p.m. At that time, the Pedal for Hope team, accompanied by the local children they are riding in support of, will cycle together along Bell Boulevard to Reid’s Dairy from Canadian Tire – and back again to enjoy a fundraising barbecue, live entertainment, and bouncy castles. The public is invited to attend, buy a burger, climb a rock wall, high-five some local cops and meet some remarkable cancer survivors.