Thomas James is raising money to help find a cure for childhood cancer. (Photo Courtesy Ross Lavigne)

By Gates Guarin

1,500 kilometre goal

Local cyclist joins ride to fight kids’ cancer

Jul 8, 2022 | 12:56 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – A Medicine Hat man will be biking around the city all throughout August to honour the memory of one of his extended family members.

Thomas James is participating in the Great Cycle Challenge for the second year in a row in order to raise money for treatment development at Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children in the hopes of finding a cure for childhood cancer.

James is riding for Lauren, the 12-year-old daughter of his wife’s cousin who lost her fight with cancer earlier this year. Lauren spent time receiving treatment at the Toronto hospital James is raising money for.

He has set a goal of logging 1,500 kilometres all within the month of August, which is more than double what he logged when he participated last year. He has also set his donation goal at $2,500.

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James is riding to make sure families are supported if they should ever have to go through what his family has.

“The research and the support for those families is a really important thing,” James says. “If your children are diagnosed with this disease, I feel like there’s not really much you can do as a person can do, unless you’re medically qualified. I feel like a lot of people will be left helpless, wondering what to do.”

If you want more information on James’ progress or want to know more about Lauren’s story can visit James’ donation page.