Christina Millington
Omineca Express
Sharon Unger, a Vanderhoof paramedic will be participating in the Canadian Cancer Society’s Cops for Cancer Tour de North on September 14 as a medic rider.
Unger’s father, Arnold Unger, lost his battle to prostate cancer 8 years ago – she will be dedicating this ride to him.
Unger has been training for the upcoming event biking alongside Highway 16 to taking the back trails around Vanderhoof for a more challenged ride.
“Our ride will be from Prince George to Prince Rupert,” Unger said. “We will have biked 850 kilometres in total.”
Unger has applied for the tour two years in a row as she has seen the riders come through town over the years.
“Prior to this I was a very leisure bike rider,” Unger laughed. “I’ve rode to the Cluculz Lake rest area and back which is an 80 kilometre ride.”
The funds that are raised are going directly toward pediatric cancer.
“I personally don’t know a family that isn’t touched in some way by cancer,” said Unger.
Unger volunteered her time to the IDIDALAP4CANCER events on June 22 and made a few laps in honour of her father during the candle light ceremonies.
“We had a lamp for my father,” she said. “I brought my Mom out with me for a few laps.”
Tour de North has 25 riders that will be taking the trek across Northern BC September 14-20 to raise funds and awareness for pediatric cancer research, Camp Goodtimes and other support groups that focus on kids with cancer.
“The kids going through this must be so devastated,” said Unger. “Where adults have a better understanding of what they’re having to face.”
Unger has been out in the community raising money through various bottle drives and with the distribution of her posters.
The 7-day bike tour will commence in Prince George on September 14 and will be biking through ten communities along the way.
So pull out your lawn chairs and line the streets to cheer on your 2012 Tour de North riders.