Just two days into a 3,000-kilometre journey to raise funds for St. Mary’s Hospital, Sgt. Peter Viol’s Appalachian Heartbeat Tour has been derailed.
The Waterloo Region Police officer’s trip was to take him through the Appalachian Mountains beginning in Sylacauga, Ala., where he would ride to upper New York state, crossing the border at Kingston before he would return home.
Viol suffered a fall and injured his shoulder in a remote area near the border of Georgia and Alabama. He pushed on to Cedartown, Ga., where he received medical assistance. He was advised to end the trip.
READ MORE: Officer cycling from Alabama to Waterloo to raise money for St. Mary’s Hospital
Viol has been cycling for charity for the past 10 years, raising over $200,000 for health care in Waterloo Region.
This year his goal was to raise $40,000 for the Regional Cardiac Care Centre at St. Mary’s General Hospital.
“There are no words to describe the disappointment I feel at this moment,” Viol said in a statement. “This is the first time in 10 years that I have had to discontinue a charity ride for any reason. My goal was to raise funds and awareness for an important cause and I truly hope I can continue those fundraising efforts despite being unable to finish my ride.”
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