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1980: Terry Fox hits Toronto
This is how it all began. On April 12, 1980, Terry Fox began an epic cross-country journey to raise money for cancer research. CBC Radio and Television followed Terry's Marathon of Hope from the beginning. To celebrate this historic event, we present these reports as they were first aired.
Calling during his Toronto visit, Terry talks about the joys of having a police escort, the efforts to fine-tune the fit of his artificial leg and what he hopes Canadians will learn from his efforts.
• While Terry was in Toronto, his older brother Fred was also flown in for a surprise visit. (Fred was named after Betty's brother, who had lost both of his legs in a plane crash in Manitoba in the 1950s.)
• According to Leslie Scrivener's book Terry Fox: His Story, Terry's visit to southern Ontario was particularly complicated. After running through Scarborough to Toronto, he ran across Bloor Street and University Avenue to a City Hall rally at Nathan Phillips Square. The next day, he flew to Niagara Falls, then back to Toronto for a run into downtown via Danforth Avenue. The following day he ran from Nathan Phillips Square to Lakeshore Boulevard, continuing toward Oakville.
• He also had time for some fun and games. In the evening, Terry Fox threw out the first pitch at a Toronto Blue Jays baseball game at Exhibition Stadium. The next night he and his family dined at the top of the CN Tower, and attacked each other in a bumper car race. Terry's leg was knocked off, and he had to hop back onto the platform, where he was suddenly surrounded by well-wishers. "Nobody recognized me until my leg fell off," he said.
• The Niagara Falls side trip was a big disappointment. Only fifty people showed up, and mayor Wayne Thompson handed Terry a cheque for $100. Terry refused to attend a show at Marineland because he was told he couldn't collect money for his run there.
Also on July 11:
• 1957: Bob Panasik of Windsor, Ont., becomes the youngest golfer to make the 36-hole cut in a PGA Tour event. At age 15 years and eight months, he qualifies for the final two rounds of the Canadian Open in Kitchener, Ontario. He finishes tied for 66th place.
• 1960: Northwest Territories Council holds its first session at Resolute Bay, (Nunavut) - the most northerly point for any legislative meeting.
• 1989: Vicki Keith of Kingston, Ont., becomes the first person to swim the English Channel using the butterfly stroke. She completes the journey in 22 hours and 33 minutes.
Program: Metro Morning
Broadcast Date: July 11, 1980
Guest(s): Terry Fox
Host: Joe Coté
Duration: 3:32
Last updated: March 5, 2012
Page consulted on August 28, 2012
All Clips from this Topic
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Terry Fox is ready for anything that may happen on the road.
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The Marathon of Hope begins.
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CBC Radio's Sound of Sports begins regular coverage of Terry's run.
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One week into his run, Terry is interviewed from the road.
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Terry speaks of his inspiration in this recently rediscovered televisi...
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A brush with death in Cape Breton.
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Terry talks about Nova Scotia, and the truck crash that nearly killed ...
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A quick update from the road to Halifax.
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Money pours in as Terry breaks the 1,000 mile mark.
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Sound of Sports describes Terry's progress through New Brunswick.
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A lack of paved shoulders means worry for Terry Fox.
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Terry Fox explains his expenses.
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Terry Fox reaches Ontario, and his Marathon of Hope is becoming a phen...
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Terry Fox looks forward to huge crowds, and a new artificial leg.
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Terry Fox is treated like a rock star by fans in Scarborough and Toron...
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Terry Fox puts Toronto behind him and gets back on the road.
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Looking back at Terry Fox's impact on Toronto.
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Terry Fox nears the halfway mark, but there are rumours of trouble wit...
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Half way home!
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Terry Fox quashes lingering rumours of leg problems, and says he'll ne...