WATCH: An ultra athlete’s grueling trek ended in North Vancouver today. Sam Fox tested his limits by completing a 14,000 mile biking and hiking adventure across the U.S. and into B.C. It was all in support of the fight against Parkinson’s disease. Jennifer Palma has the story.
The North Shore’s Grouse Grind was the final step in a long journey that has taken Sam Fox across North America in support of Parkinson’s disease research.
Fox has ascended dozens of peaks and biked thousands of kilometres as part of Tour de Fox, a 103-day trek that aims to raise money and awareness about the disease.
The 28-year-old works for the Michael J. Fox Foundation, although he is not related to the B.C.-raised actor who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s more than two decades ago.
Sam was inspired to embark on his Tour de Fox by his mother, who has been living with the disease for 15 years.
The American has travelled more than 22,000 kilometres.
“It’s been almost three-and-a-half months that we’ve been on the road, covering miles, doing hikes, having fundraising events,” he said. “So I’m excited we’re at the last one.”
Dozens of people, including several Parkinson’s patients, joined Fox on the final leg of his journey up the Grouse Grind.
This isn’t the first time Fox has travelled a long distance in the name of Parkinson’s research. In 2011, he raised $300,000 by running the Pacific Coast Trail from Mexico to Canada, a distance of more than 4,200 kilometres.
Fox has surpassed his goal of raising $1 million for Parkinson’s research. Those interested in donating can visit the Tour de Fox homepage.
-With files from Jennifer Palma
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