(Facebook/FalloRick).

By Aaron Schulze

Running Across Canada

Man passing through Kamloops during run from Vancouver Island to Ontario, raising funds for children with cancer

Apr 24, 2021 | 3:20 PM

KAMLOOPS — Rick Fall is two weeks into his cross-country run to fundraise for charities aimed at assisting children with cancer.

The man from Sault Ste. Marie, Ont. began running from Victoria, B.C. on April 12, and is passing through the Kamloops area on Monday (April 26).

Fall plans to cross Interior B.C. and the Prairies before returning to Sault Ste. Marie in August, hopefully with an additional $300,000 to donate to Make-a-Wish Canada and Childhood Cancer Canada.

“I’ve come across a number of children that either have been recipients, or could definitely have used some help, with either Childhood Cancer or Make-a-Wish,” Fall said. “My wife and I started working with the local annual Terry Fox Run… we were part of the organizing committee. There’s also been a number of people that I’ve run with as they pass through Sault Ste. Marie for their run across Canada for one reason or another. If they’re able to do it, I can do something like that myself while I’m able.”

Fall’s run – “Fall-o” Rick Home to Home – was supposed to take place in 2020, although he delayed it due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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While Fall is happy to be running and catching the views of B.C. – such as the Malahat and Coquihalla Highways – he noted the marathon has been a grind.

Every morning, Fall begins with eggs and protein for breakfast, and hydrates before running 10 to 12 kilometres. After a small break and another 10-to-12-kilometre stretch, Fall ingests a carbohydrate heavy lunch before the final leg of his day. Fall’s wife drives their motor home ahead of where their next rest stop will be.

Fall said running 50 kilometres a day has become the norm.

“The energy still seems to be there,” he said. “I think my body is adjusting to a normal pace and I just keep on plugging away 10 or 12 kilometres at a time, have a quick break, and keep on going.”

Fall began his Saturday (April 24) run at north end of Nicola Lake and will end up about 20 kilometres south of Kamloops when he’s done. He’ll rest complete on Sunday, before running along the Trans-Canada Highway on Monday.

As of publication Fall has raised nearly $25,000 of his $500,000 goal.

Anyone interested in donating to Fall’s cause, or checking his progress, can do so online.