Dr. Lawrence Farries (L) and Bob Graves from the starting line of a road race in Edmonton they participated in to train for the Enbridge Tour Alberta for Cancer. (supplied)

By Jordan Davidson (Twitter: @JordanDHeyNow)

13th annual ride back in digital form

Local surgeon ready to Tour Alberta for Cancer

Aug 27, 2021 | 3:12 PM

The 2021 Enbridge Tour Alberta for Cancer is back, and although it may have a new name, the same spirit and drive to help battle cancer lives on.

Formerly the “Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer”, the event underwent a name change due to its national partner CauseForce ceasing operations in Canada last year because of the pandemic. The Alberta Cancer Foundation, with continued support from Enbridge, however, was determined to keep this event alive under a new name.

It will still be a virtual event this year with riders picking their own locations and distance while collecting donations. Proceeds go directly to the Alberta Cancer Foundation in support of cancer patients and their families. Each rider has to raise a minimum $2,500 in order to participate.

Dr. Lawrence Farries, a surgeon who has lived and worked in Red Deer for the last 28 years, is participating again for his fifth time.

Team name ‘The Lab Rats’, Farries and his riding partner Bob Graves were able to raise $30,000 in their first year alone, and around $20,000 in total the following years.

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Farries says more and more evidence points to the conclusion that having a physically active lifestyle will help reduce your risk of cancer.

“In a way, this is a multi-pronged event, because it’s promoting a healthy lifestyle which is directed against cancer, and its raising money that will directly benefit patients and their families within Alberta. By providing resources for them when they are affected by cancer, and by promoting research that will ultimately help to reduce the overall burden of cancer.”

Like most Albertans, The Lab Rats have been touched by cancer in a number of ways. Graves’ brother was diagnosed with lymphoma the first year they participated in the ride, and sadly passed away before they were able to complete their kilometres. Farries’ own mother passed away from cancer, and his sister and wife also fought their cancer battles, giving him plenty of motivation to ride and fundraise.

Farries says they were planning on biking their 100 kms on the Edmonton bike trails this week. He says he plans on participating in the Enbridge Tour Alberta for Cancer for as long as he is physically able to.

For more information and for ways to donate, visit touralbertaforcancer.ca.

Related: Local physician prepared for Ride to Conquer Cancer.