Terry Fox’s cousin among runners in Winnipeg fundraising for cancer research

Terry Fox’s cousin says he’s blown away by the support.

Canadians once again laced up their shoes to take part in this year’s Terry Fox Run, with more than 650 communities across the country fundraising for cancer research.

Fox’s cousin Carlisle Settee ran in Winnipeg on Sunday – his 37th run.

“It’s huge… huge!” said Settee, who has multiple tattoos to remember his cousin and his Marathon of Hope across Canada. “Eight-hundred-and-fifty million raised in Terry’s name and it’s only getting better and bigger. It’s great to be a part of all of that.”

Fundraising totals won’t be available for a few days, but so far Winnipeg has raised $51,000 and Brandon has raised $12,000.

WATCH: Terry Fox Run returns in Toronto

Tamara McCaffrey ran with team Lawyer Strong – a team less than a year old that raised more than $3,000 for the Terry Fox Foundation this year. Like millions of Canadians, cancer has greatly affected McCaffrey’s life.

“My best friend passed away last year, I have a dear friend with breast cancer, and my father-in-law has just been diagnosed,” she said. “It means a lot to me, it’s dear to my heart… and I could even go on.

“Helps us try and be the best we can be, never give up, and keep going one step at a time.”

Volunteer Kim Walker says they only anticipated around 200 people to participate in Winnipeg due to the ongoing pandemic. She believes more than 500 people showed up.

Walker says the run is like a support system for those affected by the disease.

“My mom got us involved in the run shortly after my aunt passed away when I was 12,” said Walker. “It started as a family tradition, but it’s much more than that, it’s a way to celebrate those we’ve lost over the years.

“Gatherings like this, it’s like a family reunion.”

WATCH: Montreal chapter of the Terry Fox Run