Cops for Cancer Tour de North riders, including five from Williams Lake, completed their seven day, 850 kilometre journey from Prince George to Prince Rupert early Thursday evening.
In all, the fundraiser collected $195,000 for cancer research.
From Williams Lake Dave Dickson, Const. Joel Kooger and his wife, Alison Kooger, Const. Taylor Callens and Const. Isaac Perreault Labbe, joined fellow riders as they pushed their pedals the last few clicks under a sunny sky — a great departure from earlier in the trip when the team was greeted with sleet, rain, heavy winds and cold temperatures.
READ MORE: Tour de North Cops for Cancer team kicks off 850-kilometre journey
Along the journey, participants were supported by an RCMP vehicle in the front and back of the pack, along with a BC Ambulance and the owner of Cycle Logic, who kept the bikes tuned up.
Alison who, along with her husband, Joel, left their four children with their ‘Oma’ and three cousins in Smithers while they rode, said it was completely rewarding experience. It was Alison’s first time participating in the event.
“We met a family in Smithers whose son had relapsed, his cancer had come back, but through fundraising and research he’s been on a trial drug and it’s got him back to good health,” she said.
“It really shows how important the research is when there’s a kid standing in front of you.”
Dickson, who has been involved with Cops for Cancer for eight years — five times as a rider — said other than the first couple of days, the ride was fantastic.
“But we got spoiled today [arriving in Prince Rupert to sunshine],” Callens added.
While riders said the trek itself was a challenge, the real purpose of the annual event is to raise money for cancer research for children.
“It’s all for the kids,” Joel said of their reason for participating.
READ MORE: Cops for Cancer Tour de North ready to ride
On Wednesday, Sept. 12, the community raised more than $30,000 during the annual Cops for Cancer Jail n’ Bail fundraiser.
” It was just a really cool experience,” Alison added.
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