Bill Durno (image credit - CFJC Today)

By Michael Reeve

TOUR TO CURE

13 years later Bill Durno returns to the ‘Tour to Cure’ following recent cancer diagnoses in his family

Jun 27, 2024 | 5:30 PM

KAMLOOPS — Every summer cyclists from across British Columbia come together for the ‘Tour to cure’, B.C.’s largest cycling fundraiser, all in support of the BC Cancer Foundation.

Thirteen years after he last took part, Bill Durno is back in training for the 2024 Ride To Cure. After completing the ride between 2009 and 2011, Durno is back in the saddle looking to raise $3,000.

“Their slogan was strength in numbers and I found out what that really meant,” Durno told CFJC News. “I saw bc cancer foundation using the funds for very good purposes for cancer research and improving cancer care.”

Sadly, bringing Durno back into the ride is several recent cancer diagnoses in his family.

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“One year ago we found out that my brother in law has cancer, he was diagnosed with cancer, and then two other family members were diagnosed with cancer,” said Durno. “And I thought I know I can do something about it, that is one of the things I learned way back with my 2009 ride to conquer cancer experience is that one person can make a difference.”

Since the ride began in 2009, the tour to cure has raised over $124 million dollars, that money is kept in B.C. and used to improve cancer care and conduct research. The Foundation is also expected to be a contributor to the new Kamloops Cancer Centre project.

“We recently announced the early detection for lung cancers, so the funds that our community is raising every year is being distributed across all of these important programs and it’s thanks to the participants and all their hard work and training that we get to do this,” said Chris Cook, Director of Mass Participation Event with the BC Cancer Foundation.

Over 1,500 riders will be taking part in the ride this year, but registration is still open for riders, or volunteers wishing to help. In B.C., it’s now estimated that 1-in-2 people will have cancer in their lifetime.

“We have about 80,000 patients in care in the province this year, year over we anticipated 30,000 patients being diagnosed with cancer, it’s a very stubborn disease,” said Cook. “And the investments that we are making through fundraising helps us to advance all the research.”

While cycling is the epitome of an individual sport, the memories made in the peloton amongst a group all riding for the same cause can be life changing.

“You reflect on this experiences once again, the cyclists have a good time together,” said Durno. “You really feel good cycling with others who are cycling for the same cause. You are working together.”

The Tour to Cure begins on August 24 in Cloverdale, with the finish line being crossed in Hope the next day.